NYS DMNA Photo Archive

30 Dec, 2014

NEW YORK--A New York National Guard Soldier and Airman assigned to Joint Task Force Empire Shield keep an eye on the crowd coming and going in New York Citys Pennsylvania Station Amtrak terminal on Tuesday Dec. 23 2014. The two are part of the New York National Guards 500-member State Active Duty force that assists the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department the Bridge and Port Authority Police Department and the Amtrak Police at New York Citys airports and key transit terminals. The uniformed National Guard members do not have arrest authority but provide additional eyes and assist police when requested.

16 Dec, 2014

ISLAND PARK-- New York Army National Guard Capt. Rafel Castillo distributes emergency "go bags" to local residents who attended a Citizens Emergency Preparedness training session at the Island Park Public Library on Dec. 4. The program, taught by National Guard Soldiers and Airman, is designed to provide residents with the information they need to prepare form and cope with, emergency situations.

24 Dec, 2014

GLENS FALLS--New York Army National Guard volunteers of the 11th Annual Christmas Eve Roadmarch participate in the 3.3 mile walk through Glens Falls, N.Y. on December 24. Carrying the banner this year are retired Sgt. 1st Class Arthur Coon, at right, the event organizer and U.S. Military Academy cadet Mitchell Valenza. The march commemorated the deployment of local National Guard Citizen Soldiers to Iraq when first held back in 2004 and now honors military members of all services and all eras. More than 600 participants are estimated to have marched through Glens Falls, most carrying images of uniformed loved ones who are serving or have served.

19 Dec, 2014

ROME--New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Nicholas Tharrett, pointing, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Washburn train for Christmas Eve tracking operations at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, N.Y. Each year the North American Aerospace Defense command (NORAD) has a little fun with their mission and "tracks" Santa Clause as he makes his way around the world.

23 Dec, 2014

AMSTERDAM, N.Y.--Spc Anthony Bryant, a member of the New York Army National Guard Honor Guard, presents an American flag to Michol Smith, the widow of Army veteran Charles L. Smith during funeral services held on Dec. 11, 2014 at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Amsterdam, N.Y. Bryant, a member of Co. D 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviatrion, and a resident of Walkill. N.Y. is one of 124 New York Army National Guard Soldiers trained to conduct Honor Guard duties. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo/Released)

16 Dec, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY - Members of the 9th Suffolk Cadet Squadron Civil Air Patrol take a look out the window of a 106th Rescue Wing HC-130 during an orientation flight on Dec. 12 2014. Cadets were able to speak firsthand with aircrew and observe their training methods during the hour-long flight.

17 Dec, 2014

FORT BENNING, Georgia-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas Carpenter (left) a member of the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry takes a break with 28th Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Kepner during a competition to identify candidates for the three two-man Army National Guard Best Ranger Teams on Nov. 20 2014 at Fort Benning Ga. Carpenter is one of nine National Guard Soldiers competing for a final spot on the teams that will participate in the April 2015 Best Ranger event here.

15 Dec, 2014

LATHAM--New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Louis Wilson-- the senior enlisted person present-- and New York Air National Guard Airman James McPartlin, who joined the National Guard in September, cut the National Guard birthday cake during 378th Guard birthday celebrations at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham, N.Y., Monday, Dec. 15. They are watched by Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, Command Chief for the 109th Airlift Wing, at left and Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, at right.

30 Oct, 2014

FS GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- New York Air National Guard firefighters assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing conduct refresher training on the proper way to move a casualty from a roof top on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

9 Dec, 2014

TROY-- 42nd Infantry Division Chief of Staff Col. Phil Pugliese (right) and Command Sgt. Major David Piwowarski, dish out Christmas Dinner to division members and their families on Sunday, Dec. 7 during the annual holiday festivities at division headquarters at the Manor Road Armory in Troy.

9 Dec, 2014

RONKONKOMA--A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the New York Army National Guards 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation loads onto a C-17 operated by the New York Air National Guards 105th Airlift Wing at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Ronkonkoma N.Y. on Tuesday Dec. 9. The helicopter will be flown to Puerto Rico to support an exercised being conducted by the New York Army National Guards 1st Battalion 69th Infantry.

9 Dec, 2014

BRONX--Major General Patrick Murphy the Adjutant General of New York transfers the colors of the New York Naval Militia to Naval Militia Rear Admiral Ten Eyck "Trip" Powell III during Naval Militia Change of Command ceremonies at the State University of New York Maritime College in the Bronx on Saturday Dec. 6 2014. Powell took command of the 2500-member organization from Major General Robert Wolf.

8 Dec, 2014

KINDERHOOK--New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson and Brig. Gen. Ray Shields, director of Joint Staff, salute the gravesite of President Martin Van Buren in Kinderhook, N.Y., Friday, Dec. 5 after laying a wreath presented by President Barack Obama. The New York National Guard's headquarters in Latham, N.Y., presents the presidential wreath at Van Buren's gravesite each year on the anniversary of his birth.

4 Dec, 2014

New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing, in Scotia, and 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, in Latham, work together toload donated Christmas Trees at Ellms Tree Farm in Ballston Spa December 3 as part of the Trees for Troops program. The trees are being sent to for military families at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.The Soldiers and Airmen volunteered their off-duty time to help.

27 Oct, 2014

SYRACUSE-- Members of the newly formed 108th Attack Squadron during a ceremony marking the Squadron's reactivation on Oct. 5, 2014 at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. the 108th Attack Squadron will conduct the MQ-9 training activities-- instructing pilots, sensor operators and mechanics-- which were formerly one of the responsibilities of the 138th Attack Squadron. This change frees the 138th Attack Squadron to focus on operational missions. The 108th was an Air Control Squadron when it was inactivated in 1994.

1 Dec, 2014

WEST HAMPTONBEACH-- An HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing conducts a defensive system check off the coast of Long Island during training on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

14 Nov, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.-- New York State Military Museum librarian James Gandy holds one of more than 10000 Regimental Personnel Cards containing information on New York National Guard Soldiers who enlisted or reenlisted in the 369th Infantry-- later the 369th Coast Artillery-- between 1921 and 1949. The cards are being scanned and the information digitized on data bases and posted on the New York Heritage Digital Collection and will also be posted on the New York State Military Museum website.

26 Nov, 2014

Maj. Gen. Jack Briggs, left, Director of Operations for Headquarters U.S Northern Command, visits with New York Army National Guard Soldiers on security duties at New York’s Pennsylvania Station rail hub. The Soldiers are part of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, a security enhancement force performing state active duty in New York City to augment law enforcement. Some 500 Soldiers and Airmen are currently serving on the task force and surged operations November 26 in support of the busiest travel day in the city.

24 Nov, 2014

WEST SENECA--New York Army National Guard Soldiers troopers from A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, based in Niagara Falls, New York, conduct snow removal operations from the roof of the Eden Heights Assisted Living Facility in West Seneca, New York November 23. Some 60 troopers worked throughout the day to help reduce the threat of collapsed roofs at the facility after more than seven feet of lake effect snowfall this week in Western New York. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo mobilized more than 775 members of the New York National Guard to help with recovery efforts

22 Nov, 2014

Soldiers from Company A, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, based in Rochester, assist in snow removal from the roof of the Absolut Care assisted living senior care center in Orchard Park, New York November 22. The 42 Soldiers, commanded by Capt. David Myones from South Ozone Park, New York, were joined by an additional dozen volunteer members of the New York Guard state defense force, called to duty by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to help with recovery efforts in Western New York following historic amounts of snowfall this week. Myones’ company also has Soldiers conducting logistics support fueling missions and supporting the joint task force mission command. Within four days of callup, the New York National Guard has employed more than 625 Soldiers, Airmen, Naval Militia and New York Guard members to assist Erie County and the City of Buffalo restore essential services.

21 Nov, 2014

New York Army National Guard Soldiers from work with New York State Police to control access to the New York State Thruway in Buffalo, N.Y., November 20 as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s callup of some 550 National Guard members to support response and recovery efforts in Western New York following historic amounts of snowfall. Some two dozen engineers, based in Buffalo, utilized bucket loaders and dump trucks to clear key roadways for emergency responders at this one site, part of ongoing efforts with more than a dozen missions completed in the first 48 hours.

20 Nov, 2014

A line of military dump trucks belonging to New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 152nd Engineer Company assist in snow removal efforts in West Seneca, N.Y., November 20 as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s callup of some 375 National Guard members to support response and recovery efforts in Western New York following historic amounts of snowfall. Some two dozen engineers, based in Buffalo, utilized bucket loaders and dump trucks at this one site to clear key roadways for emergency responders.

20 Nov, 2014

BUFFALO--Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, left, Adjutant General of New York , congratulates New York Army National Guard Spc. Alan Pericak of the 152nd Engineer Company November 19 following his successful mission in Buffalo, N.Y. to drive New York Governor Andrew Cuomo through areas paralyzed by historic snowfall this week. Pericak, from West Falls, N.Y., is part of Governor Cuomo’s mobilization of more than 240 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from area units to assist local authorities with snow removal or traffic control.

19 Nov, 2014

A New York Air National Guard Airman from the 107th Airlift Wing based in Niagara Falls, N.Y., assists in snow removal efforts from the roof of the Eden Heights Assisted Living Facility in West Seneca, N.Y., Nov. 19. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the mobilization of more than 240 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from area units to assist local authorities with snow removal or traffic control as regions of Western New York see more than six feet of snowfall in just 72 hours.

19 Nov, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS-- Members of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing are briefed on weather conditions by Staff Sgt. Heather Eberhart as they prepare to head out into a massive snowstorm and assist local authorities in responding this morning, Wednesday, Nov. 19. The 107th Airlift Wing is providing an Initial Response Force. The Army Guard's 152nd Engineer Company and 827th Engineer Company deployed snow morning equipment in support of Erie County response operations.

18 Nov, 2014

LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jack James accepts the colors of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade from Major General Harry Miller, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, during change-of-command ceremonies at the Army Aviation Support Facility here on Saturday, Nov. 15. james replaces Col. Al Ricci who is retiring.

17 Nov, 2014

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y.-- Members of the New York National Guard Homeland Response Force extraction team put a simulated casualty on a stretcher during training at the Erie County Fire Traing Academy here on Friday. Nov.14. The drill exercised the Guard Soldiers and Airmen, along with civilian first responders in how to deal with chemical,biological, radiological or nuclear homeland incidents.

14 Nov, 2014

BUFFALO-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers unfurl a giant American flag to mark the opening of the football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 9. The Bills honored the New York National Guard during the game. 150 New York Army National Guard Soldiers attended and along with unfurling the flag 50 Soldiers reaffirmed their oaths during half-time

28 Oct, 2014

LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Col. Al Ricci greets his daughters following his final flight as a military pilot on Monday Oct. 27 at the Army Aviation Support Facility here. Ricci, a veteran of the Iraq War is retiring after 30 years. His final service was as the commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, which include a ten-month deployment to Kuwait.

12 Nov, 2014

NEW YORK-- The New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band steps off during the New York City Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The band, along with the Army National Guard's 369th Special Troops Battalion and 719th Transportation Company and members of the New York Guard's 88th Brigade, a part of the state's volunteer defense force, participated in the parade.

12 Nov, 2014

GARDEN CITY, -- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Patrick Macklin and Staff Sgt. Justin Wolcott from the 42nd Infantry Division presented a memorial wreath on behalf of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division on Monday morning, Nov. 10 at the World War I Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial located in Garden City to honor the service of past 42nd Infantry Division Soldiers for Veterans Day.The division headquarters traditionally presents the wreath provided by the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation Memorials Committee each year at memorial sites to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the division's veterans of WWI, WWII and the Iraq War. The wreath is . The foundation oversees dozens of memorial sites in the U.S. and Europe where 42nd Division Soldiers served.

7 Nov, 2014

CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan --New York Army National Guard broadcast journalist Sgt. Jeremy Bratt (right), a member of the 138th Public Affairs Detachment,joins 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team public affairs noncommissioned officer Sgt. Kingston Dillard, and a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force interpreter to interview a Japanese service member on Oct. 21 during Orient Shield 14.

17 Oct, 2014

FORT DRUM, NY - The 174th Attack Wing hosted the Command Chief of Air Combat Command from Oct. 6-8, 2014. Command Chief Master Sergeant Steve K. McDonald visited the diverse missions across the 174th and the New York Air National Guard. Command Master Sgt McDonald is the enlisted advisor to the commander and staff for the enlisted force stationed at 27 wings, 17 bases and at more than 200 operating locations around the world.

28 Oct, 2014

ROCHESTER--New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Charnley accepts the colors of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion during Change of Command Ceremonies at the Patriot Way Armory here on Saturday, Oct. 25. Charnley took command of the battalion- which returned from a deployment to Kuwait in August-- from Lt. Col. Jack James. James has been tapped to take command of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

30 Oct, 2014

HANCOCK AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- Polish defense officials get a briefing on the MQ-9 during a visit here on Wednesday, Oct. 29.New York Air National Guard leadership welcomed Poland Minister Czeslaw Mroczek. Minister Mroczek, Poland's undersecretary in charge of defense modernization, and other top Polish Military officials involved in Poland's military procurement programs took a look at the 174th Attack Wing's Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission. Poland is developing RPA programs and plans to purchase RPAs over the next few years.

27 Oct, 2014

BUFFALO-- Lt. Col. James Freehart, incoming commander of the 153rd Troop Command accepts the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, the commander of the 53rd Troop Command during Change of Command Ceremonies on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Connecticut Street Armory here. Freehart replaces Col. James Pabis who will become the deputy commander of the 153rd Troop Command.

3 Nov, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh --Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James addresses Captain Patrick Cordova the 105th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Officer, during a question and answer session while visiting Stewart Air National Guard Base N.Y. November 1 2014.

29 Oct, 2014

EAST FARMINGDALE--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Paul Rodriguez a member of the 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (CST) checks a simulated terrorist during a drill at the Suffolk County Water Authoritys New Highway Pump Station on Monday Oct. 27 2014. National Guard CSTs are trained to identify the presence of chemical biological or radiological agents and provide that information to local authorities. The exercise tested response protocols to intruder events and to identify and correct any existing weaknesses in station security.(

28 Oct, 2014

FORT DRUM--A New York Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division checks his targets during M-4 qualification at Fort Drum on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. Soldiers from the Operations and Intelligence Companies qualified on the range.

27 Oct, 2014

SCHENECTADY-- New York Air National Guard 1st Lt. Jared Semerad, Tech. Sgt. Brittany Rinaldi and Airman 1st Class Tobin read to preschoolers at Howe Early Childhood Education Center in Schenectady, New York, on Oct. 21, 2014. Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing and other community members read to children throughout the school as part of Howe's participation in Jumpstart's national campaign of "Read for the Record".

20 Oct, 2014

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Savannah, Georgia- New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Hermanson makes his way to a CH-47F here on Oct. 16, 2014 prior to a night flight. Hermanson and other members of Detachment 1, Company B 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation, are training here on the latest model of the venerable CH-47 Chinook helicopters which the Rochester-based unit flies.

27 Oct, 2014

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - More than 120 New York Army National Guard Soldiers and family members of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion take part in the New York Army National Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program here at the Radisson Riverside Hotel Friday, October 24. The Soldiers returned from deployment to Kuwait in August 2014. Photo by Master Sgt. Peter Towse, 42nd Infantry Division.

20 Oct, 2014

PEEKSKILL-- New York Naval Militia Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamsel Reyes mans a boat during training on the Hudson River here on Oct. 17. York Naval Militia patrol boat crews assigned to the Military Emergency Boat Service operated in the Hudson River near the Indian Point nuclear power plant on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18 to train crews, work on communications techniques, and test mobilization procedures. Twenty five sailors took part in the training.

20 Oct, 2014

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --An LC-130 Hercules with the 109th Airlift Wing takes off from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York, on Oct. 17, 2014. The aircraft is headed to Antarctica for the Wing's 27th year participating in Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation. The 109th AW boasts the U.S. military's only ski-equipped aircraft, which has been supporting the NSF's South Pole research since 1988.

17 Oct, 2014

CAMP SMITH-- New York Amy National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Celso Benites provide instructions on proper sight picture adjustments for the 9mm Glock pistol to Spc. Osei Gaddy a member Joint Forces Headquarters, newly assigned to Joint Task Force Empire Shield here on Oct. 15. Gaddy is one of almost 300 Soldiers and Airmen added to the New York City security task force at the direction of Gov. Andrew Cuomo to bring its strength up to 500. Task force members carry a Glock weapon similar to those used by police forces and must be trained on the sidearm when they are assigned to JTF Empire Shield duty.

20 Oct, 2014

SYRACUSE-Seven Soldiers and Civilians were awarded the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal at 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters here on Saturday, Oct. 17 to recognize the role they played in rescuing New York Army National Guard Capt. Timothy Neild from a fiery automobile crash on Dec. 9, 2013. Recognized were: Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Presley, who received the Soldiers Medal; Sergeant John Tirinato, of Castleton, who also received the Soldiers Medal and the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal; and civilians Thomas Buckle of Syracuse; Kevin Harrigan of Syracuse; Sherry Kline of Syracuse, Joseph Krywalski of Liverpool; Dr. Christopher Sewell of Woodbridge, CT; and Kevin Shier of Toronto, Ontario. The civilians all received the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal.

21 Oct, 2014

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- United States Vice President Joe Biden speaks with New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Allison Seguin, shortly after arriving here on Monday, Oct. 20. Biden was greeted by members of the wing's Honor Guard as he arrived in Syracuse, N.Y.

19 Oct, 2014

COLONIE, N.Y. - New York National Guard servicemembers, military family members and military supporters alike cross the finish line in the 7th annual Hometown Heroes 5k Oct. 19, 2014 at the Colonie Crossings in Colonie, N.Y. Some 200 runners participated in the event. The 5k is a fundraiser sponsored by the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council to benefit the families of National Guard service members across the state.

17 Oct, 2014

GENESEO-- Retired New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Joseph B, McManus, age 94, a highly decorated WWII Veteran, shares his experiences and insight with Soldiers of A Co 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry at the National Warplane Museum,here on 11 October. His remarks followed a promotion ceremony in which McManus, who joined the 108th Infantry Regiment in 1939, "pinned" the rank on 11 company Soldiers following a road march to the museum.

16 Oct, 2014

STONY BROOK New York- Members of the 106th Rescue Wing assists with the registration and distribution of disaster prepardness material . The September 20th one day course that was held at Stony Brook University. The lecture included information on how civilians can prepare themselves and their families for natural disasters and help mitigate life threatening emergencies while waiting for authorities to arrive. Lectures ended with a certificate and book bags of first aid material being given to each member that attended. This was a New York state wide initiative by the Governors office for the month of September which is Disaster Preparedness Month.

3 Oct, 2014

LATHAM -- A New York Army National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter leaves Army Aviation Support Facility 3 here recently en route to Texas. Three aviators from the New York Army National Guard deployed in support of Operation Guardian Eye as part of the Southwest Border mission in support of the U.S. Border Patrol.

9 Oct, 2014

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia -- A rainbow appears over the flight line here on Thursday, Oct.9, as an LC-130 Skibird waits for its next mission. Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing will begin deploying to Antarctica next week in support of Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic program.

9 Oct, 2014

LATHAM-- Workers finish mounting a 15-foot high National Guard minuteman on the walls of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters building here on Thursday, Oct. 9. The new logo identifies the building as the headquarters of the New York National Guard.

8 Oct, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS--James Gandy, librarian for the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs N.Y., holds the 150-year old diary kept by Confederate Army lieutenant James Malbone. Malbone wrote parts of the diary in a homemade code to keep private information about military movements, his sex life, and his musings about the possibility that Varina Davis the wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis was of African-American ancestry. Malbone's code was recently broken by Queens College associate professor Kent Boklan a former National Security Agency-trained code breaker.

8 Oct, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--New York Air National Guard 1st Lt. Patrick Gillen a maintenance officer with the 105th Airlift Wing, shows Mr. James Brooks, Executive Director of the Air National Guard, the units historic display aircraft, an O-2A Cessna ‘Skymaster’, during a visit to Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. October 5, 2014. Mr. Brooks was an O-2A pilot during his career with the United States Air Force.

6 Oct, 2014

MENANDS-- New York Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Anthony German, chief of staff of the New York Air National Guard, New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson, New York National Guard Command Sgt. Major, and Albany Rural Cemetery Board Member Anthony Esposito, renders honors to President Chester Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, at a ceremony held on his birthday, Sunday, Oct. 5. German and Wilson presented a wreath from President Barack Obama to mark the event.

2 Oct, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Paul Messina a recruiter for the 105th Airlift Wing New York Air National Guard with Jonathan Santiago and Octavia Cornwall the 194th and 195th enlistees this fiscal year starting their military career at Stewart Air National Guard Base N.Y. Sept. 30 2014. On September 30th the Wing recruiting team exceeded their goal and topped the previous all-time enlistments of 191 accessions when Jonathan Santiago and Octavia Cornwall, our newest citizen airmen, became the 194th and 195th enlistees of the 2014 fiscal year.

25 Sep, 2014

LATHAM- South African National Defense Force senior enlisted leaders joined New York National Guard Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson (left) during a visit to Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters on Saturday, Sept. 20. South African Army Reserve Regimental Sgt. Major Abraham Wakies from the South African Army Reserve and South African Army Sgt. Major Charles Laubacher participated in the State Partnership Program exchange.

29 Sep, 2014

BINGHAMTON--Members of the 204th Engineer Battalion install a M-728 Combat Engineer Vehicle in front of the Binghamton Armory on Sept. 24, 2014. The vehicle--used by combat engineers during the Cold War--was placed in front of the building as part of the New York State Military Museum’s effort to install displays of equipment and artifacts which tell the stories of specific units, the National Guard or the Army in general. Based on the M-60A1 tank the CEV could clear obstacles with its dozer blade or winch, or dig armored fighting vehicle positions while under fire. The 165 millimeter demolition gun could destroy a bunker or obstacle or be used to dig an instant hole in a road to delay enemy vehicles.Staff Sgt. Jason Hibbard from the 1156th Engineer Company, Staff Sgt. Robert Jayne and Master Sgt. Ethan Lynch from Headquarters and Headquarters Co. 204th Engineer Battalion and 1st Sgt. James Mahoney from the Forward Support Company, 204th Engineer Battalion, worked to put the display vehicle in place.

29 Sep, 2014

Mothers and Families whose son or daughter died in the service of the nation were remembered Sunday, Sept. 28 as President Barack Obama proclaimed Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day. Thirty-three members of the New York Army and Air National Guard have given their lives in service since Sept. 11, 2001.

29 Sep, 2014

BAGRAM, Afghanistan-- New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo poses with New York Army National Guard Major Joel Buffardi ( far right) and Soldiers of the 45th Sustainment Brigade during a trip to Bagram Air Base on Sunday, Sept. 28.Buffardi a member of the 369th Sustainment Brigade from Sayville, N.Y. is currently serving as Deputy Support Operations Manager for the 45th Sustainment Brigade. Gov. Cuomo is in Afghanistan with a delegation of Governor's visiting U.S. troops and leaders there.

25 Sep, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--New York Air National Guard Col. John J. Higgins commander of the 107th Airlift Wing is doused by his comrades as he steps off of the aircraft following his final flight as a navigator on Thursday, Sept 25. It was the 107th Airlift Wings final flight in a C-130 before converting to the MQ-9 mission.

25 Sep, 2014

SOUTH AFRICA--Major Mark Cotton a member of the New York Air National Guards 105th Airlift Wing speaks to South African officers during the African Aerospace & Defence Exposition in Pretoria South Africa from Sep. 17-21 2014 at the invitation from the Government of South Africa.Cotton and the rest of his C-17 Globemaster III crew got to speak to pilots from the South African Air Force and answer questions regarding the plane. Pictured here are Capt. Mark Mango and Capt. Leon Olinsky who serve as C-130 pilots for the south African Air Forces 28th Squadron.

24 Sep, 2014

NEW YORK CITY -- New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training New York Army National Guard Capt. Glenford Rose teaches an emergency preparedness class during a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at the United Nations International School here on Aug. 12, 2014. to about 300 people who attended the event. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel have been conducting these sessions across the state. Rose, the executive officer of the 466th Area Support Medical Company, is from Brooklyn, N.Y.

23 Sep, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Airmen from the New York Air National Guard's 103rd Rescue Squadron and 106th Security Forces Squadron train at the firing range at FS Gabreski ANG on September 18th, 2014. The airmen trained on a variety of weapons, including the M4 carbine, M14 rifle, combat shotgun and M9 pistol.

22 Sep, 2014

NEW YORK-Major General Verle Johnston, commander of the New York Air National Guard, joins New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Amanda Martino, a member of the 105th Airflight wing who was awarded two Purple Hearts during service in Afghanistan, in cutting the Air Force Birthday cake during an event in Bryant Park here on Sept. 18, 2014. Johnston was the ranking officer at a celebration of the United States Air Force's 67th Birthday.

19 Sep, 2014

PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA- Four soldiers from the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) got a chance to display their RQ-7B Shadow at the African Aerospace & Defense Expo held here from Sep. 17-21. Spc. Joseph Zuwiyya Staff Sgt. Glenn Follett Sgt. Timothy Strong and Sgt. Matthew Larue are all members of the 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. They along with more than 100 other US service members were invited by the South African government to display equipment for the trade show and are here to strengthen the relationship between the US through the State Partnership Program.

19 Sep, 2014

NEW YORK-- United States Air Force members, including New York Air National Guard members Senior Airman Amanda Martino and Lt. Col. Bruce Theriault (center) both of the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, appeared on the Fox and Friends morning news show Thursday, Sept. 18, to mark the 67th birthday of the Air Force.

18 Sep, 2014

MONTGOMERY-- The 105th Airlift Wing Base Honor Guard retires the colors the colors at the close of the Patriot Day September 11th Remembrance ceremony held at the Orange County Arboretum in Thomas Bull Memorial Park Montgomery New York Sept. 11 2014.

15 Sep, 2014

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, WASHINGTON - World War II veteran Pfc. Bernard Gavrin, a former member of the New York Army National Guard’s 105th Infantry Regiment, is laid to rest with full military honors here September 12. Gavrin was listed as missing in action in Saipan following the July 7, 1944 infamous suicide attack by Japanese forces, considered the largest banzai attack of the war. Gavrin’s remains were recovered in September 2013 from an unmarked burial site by a Japanese non-governmental organization interested in recovering Japanese Soldiers from the battle in Saipan. The remains were handed over to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command which identified them as Pfc. Gavrin. Along with family members, former New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 105th Infantry, including Lt. Cols. Michael Murphy and Christopher Panzer and Maj. Paul Hernandez. A wreath from the 27th Infantry Division Association and 105th Infantry Regiment was placed at Gavrin’s graveside. Photo by Maj. Paul Hernandez, New York Army National Guard.

11 Sep, 2014

TROY-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division headquarters take the Army Physical Fitness Test during weekend drill on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Glenmore Road Armory here.

11 Sep, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--New York Air National Guard Airmen of the 105 Airlift Wing stand at attention during a memorial ceremony held at Stewart Air National Guard Base on the 13th anniversary of the tragic events of 9-11, Sept. 11, 2014.

9 Sep, 2014

POESTENKILL -- Soldiers and family members of the 42nd Infantry Division enjoyed a sunny afternoon dancing to DJ Cool Cat at the Poestenkill Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7466 in Poestenkill on Sept. 7. The day was filled with things for the entire family, to include horseshoes, volleyball, a water slide and a bouncy house. There were also drawings held to give away bicycles, childrens toys and other donated items. The 42nd's Family Readiness Group coordinated the event that was held last year at the same location.

9 Sep, 2014

COLONIE-- General Frank Grass, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks to veterans and members of the 42nd Infantry Division on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 during the annual meeting of the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the 42nd Infantry Division's 2004 mobilization for service in Iraq in 2005. The Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation was originally created in 1920 by the World War I veterans of the division.

3 Sep, 2014

Fort Benning, Georgia-- An M1A1 tank from the Army Manuever Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Georgia prepares to load aboard a C-17 belonging to the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing on Sept. 4, 2014. The tank was en route to Branch Day at the United States Military Academy at West Point. On Branch Day USMA Cadets get a chance to find out what the different branches of the Army do.

8 Sep, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NEW YORK - New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt James Bavaro(left) an airmen with the 106th Rescue Wing dressed as a Star Wars Clone Air Air National Guard Base here. The event featured guest speakers games and prizes for members children and an appearance by members of the 501st Legion-- a group of Star Wars players-- dressed up as Darth Vader and a Clone Trooper.

2 Sep, 2014

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Megan Lane (right) gives a wallet-sized "z-card" to Madeline Williams (left) before a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at the Aquinas Institute of Rochester here on July 26, 2014. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to about 250 people who attended the event, and the z-card contains emergency preparedness information. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel have been conducting these sessions across the state. Williams lives in Rochester and Lane, a resident of Saratoga, N.Y., is a member of the 109th Airlift Wing.

2 Sep, 2014

LATHAM-- New York Naval Militia Deputy Commander for Operations Rear Admiral Ten Eyck "Trip" Powell is promoted by his wife Dr. Julie Dessloch and daughter on Friday, August 29 during a ceremony at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters. The Navy veteran has served in the New York Naval Militia since 1986.

1 Aug, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. John Scarano a recruiter with the 105th Force Support Squadronhelps Girl Scout Jeanette Dick unload cookie boxes collected by members of Girl Scout Unit 223 for Operation Cookie Drop a program through which customers make donations which are used to purchase Girl Scout cookies for deployed military personnel July 30 2014.

2 Sep, 2014

Flushing, NY -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Sharon Rimal holds the coin used in the pre-match coin toss inside Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open Tennis Tournament on Labor Day. Rimal and U.S. Air Force Col. (Ret.) Terrance Holliday, the commissioner of veterans affairs for New York City, were recognized in a short ceremony during the third annual Military Appreciation Day at the US Open. Rimal serves with the NY Army National Guard’s 27th Financial Management Co. as the Readiness NCO and returned in the spring from a deployment to Kuwait.

27 Aug, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH New York- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James takes group photo with the Commander of the 106th Rescue Wing Col Thomas Owens and members of the unit during a visit to F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on August 13. (New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Christopher Muncy/ released)

28 Aug, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK - New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 106th Rescue Wing trains on the M4 rifle at the firing range at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on August 8, 2014.

27 Aug, 2014

FORT DRUM-- New York Army National Guard Private 1st Class Vannesa Rivera a member of the 107th Military Police company goes through a hand-to-hand defense drill after being hit in the face by pepper spray during a training exercise at Fort Drum N.Y. Aug. 4 2014. Members of the battalion spent their annual training going through training which certifies them to conduct law enforcement operations at the Northern New York Army Base.

11 Aug, 2014

SCHENECTADY --New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program in Schenectady New York on Aug. 10 2014. The First Six Council planned the event to clean up the Wings neighboring community and will be out four times a year.

15 Aug, 2014

LATHAM N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Soldier Pfc. Sarah Ronsani an agency program coordinator (left) shows her fellow Soldier Pfc. Abdoubaki Abdou-Salami (right) how to activate government travel cards at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs here Aug. 14. The Soldiers of Queens N.Y. belong to the 7th Financial Management Detachment which is also based in Queens. The units Soldiers have been here since early August training in various areas of the United States Property and Fiscal Office comptroller section such as military pay vendor pay the defense travel section and accounting.

25 Aug, 2014

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE -- The Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service visited Hancock Field Air National Guard Base on Aug. 22. During his visit, Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson toured the Hancock Exchange facility and talked with 174th Attack Wing members about how the Exchange can better serve them. “The Exchange wants to be the first choice for Guardsmen at Hancock Field,” Pearson said. “Exchange prices are remarkably competitive. And, we’re always tax-free. This is a tremendous savings.”

21 Aug, 2014

FORT HOOD, Texas -- More aviation Soldiers from New York's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Latham, receive final demobilization briefings before getting their release from active duty. The 42nd CAB was deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait for about nine months along with aviation units from New York's 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and the 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion. The 42nd CAB provided aviation support for U.S. military forces deployed to Kuwait.

11 Aug, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK - Airmen from the New York Air National Guard conduct a hazardous environment drill during a week-long Emergency Management Course at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station on August 8, 2014. In this drill one Airman simulated being overcome by the heat of the suit, which required other Airman to pick him up and take him to a wash down station for a cool down.

18 Aug, 2014

LATHAM- Command Sgt. Major Louis Wilson (right) looks on as outgoing New York National Guard Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks passes the Division of Military and Naval Affairs colors to Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General, during a change of responsibility ceremony on Friday, August 15, at DMNA Headquarters. Wilson takes on the role of top enlisted advisor to the Adjutant General from Wicks, who is retiring. Wilson,an Iraq War veteran, was previously the command sergeant major for the 53rd Troop Command.

14 Aug, 2014

EAST MEADOW--Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division Band perform a free concert at Eisenhower Park here on Wednesday, August 13. The Rainbow Division band plays at a series of venues across New York as part of its annual training program. Prior to this appearance the band performed in the Hudson Valley, Syracuse, the Finger Lakes and on Staten Island.

14 Aug, 2014

CAMP SMITH--Pfc. Tyler Kinzel, a Port Jervis, N.Y., resident assigned to Medical Command, New York Army National Guard, begins bag-mask ventilating a medical mannequin after inserting an endotracheal tube through the esophagus under the direction of Dr. Anar Patel on Aug. 5, 2014, during annual training at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. The procedure would be done by Patel, an emergency room physician from Albany Medical Center who was invited to attend a day of training with the New York Army National Guard medics at the Camp Smith Training Site on Aug. 5 and give them tips on how to improve this skill.

14 Aug, 2014

New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct demobilization tasks at the Fort Hood Soldier Readiness Center. Approximately 250 New York Soldiers redeployed from their nine month mission to Kuwait Aug. 9. Another 150 are expected to return to Fort Hood from Kuwait Aug. 16. The aviation brigade task force comprised more than 1,200 Soldiers from aviation elements of the active Army and Army National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Wheeler, 1st Army Division West/released.

14 Aug, 2014

JOINT BASE MAGUIRE-DIX- LAKEHURST-- A Soldier from the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry sends rounds downrange during M-2 machine gun training during the battalion's recent Annual Training deployment here.

31 Jul, 2014

CAMP SMITH- New York Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Anthony German, the Assistant Adjutant General, transfers the colors of the New York Guard to New York Guard Brig. General Stephen Bucaria during during Change-of-Command ceremonies here on Saturday, July 26. Bucaria assumed command of the volunteer state defense and emergency response force from New York Guard Major General Fergal Foley.

12 Aug, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE -- Lt. Col. Rolf Metz German Army Liaison Officer to the United States Military Academy West Point N.Y. presents the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge to New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Dorvee 1427th Transportation Bn Queensbury N.Y during a ceremony here Aug. 3 2014. The decoration is traditionally awarded to German enlisted soldiers for weapons proficiency and is one of the few foreign awards approved for wear by U.S. military personnel. Metz worked with 53rd Troop Command leaders to allow New York Army National Guard Soldiers to earn the coveted award in New York.

11 Aug, 2014

INDIAN LAKE, Fort Drum -- More than 80 New York Army National Guard Soldiers from C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry descended onto Indian Lake on the back side of Fort Drum on Aug. 10-11 to conduct their first Zodiac boat training after a long period of preparation. The New York Naval Militia was also on hand to oversee the training and provide flotation devices and a rescue boat. The realistic training provided a morale boost as well as giving the unit a broader mission capability not only from a military aspect but also a support for humanitarian aid.

6 Aug, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE Cortlandt Manor -- Dr. Anar Patel a resident doctor from Albany Medical Center slowly works a laryngoscope through the throat of a mannequin in order to open the air passage and place an endotracheal tube into the lungs so that bag-mask ventilator can be applied to assist the patients breathing while Col. James Coleman the newly appointed state surgeon looks on.Patel and another resident doctor were on hand at Camp Smith during the medical commands annual training. The doctors were invited to come to Camp Smith on Aug. 5 to become familiar with the Army methods and procedures of operating a field aid station and to give some professional guidance to all New York Army National Guard medics who wanted to perfect their life-saving skills.

31 Jul, 2014

FARMINGDALE -- New York Air National Guard Airmen First Class Emilsi Santiago and Larissa Morales both members of the 106th Rescue Wing Honor Guard, render a final salute as the body of World War II Corporal Paul J Ricioppi is laid to rest at Long Island National Cemetery on July 28th 2014. Cpl Ricioppi was an honorably discharged member of the Army Air Corps.

5 Aug, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE-- Col. Richard Green, the new commander of the New York Army National Guard Medical Command takes the unit guidon from Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, during the Change-of-Command ceremony here on Sunday, August 3. Green replaces Col. James Coleman who has been tapped to become New York Army National Guard State Surgeon.

1 Aug, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS N.Y.-- Japanese researcher Yukari Akatsuka the secretary general of Kuentai-USA a non governmental group which specializes in locating and retrieving the remains of World War II dead fires up her computer as New York State Military Museum Librarian Jim Gandy prepares records for her to scan on Tuesday July 29. The group which focuses on finding the remains of Japanese Soldiers killed during World War II is planning to conduct a dig where they think missing American Soldiers who fought with the New York National Guards 105th Infantry Regiment during World War II may be buried. Akatsuka and a colleague visited the museum to go through data in hopes of refining the search area.

3 Aug, 2014

CAMP SMITH-- Col. Dave Martinez holds the colors of the 369th Sustainment Brigade during formal Change-of-Command ceremonies here on Sunday, August 3. Martinez took command of the brigade from Lt. Col. James Gonyo the Deputy Brigade Commander.

1 Aug, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Dave Cruz a sheet metal mechanic with the 105th Maintenance Group explains the process of repairing C-5M components to General Darren W. McDew Commander Air Mobility Command during a tour of the 105th Airlift Wings Super Galaxy refurbishment facility Aug. 1 2014.

31 Jul, 2014

CALVERTON,- New York Air National Guard Airmen from the 103rd Rescue Squadron of the 106th Rescue Wing, conduct a training jump on July 30th 2014. The group consisted of several Pararescue Jumpers Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion Specialists and a Combat Rescue Office. Each Airman took part in three jumps.(New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Christopher S Muncy released)

31 Jul, 2014

CAMP SMITH-- Members of the New York Guard, the state's volunteer defense and emergency response force, practice distributing supplies following a natural disaster during their Annual Training here on Friday, July 25. The Point of Distribution, or POD, exercise walked New York Guard members through the process of setting up a site at which up to 5,000 people could draw food, water and emergency supplies.

25 Jul, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH--A Rhode Island Army National Guard Special Forces operator jumps out of a New York Air National Guard HH-60 from the 101st Rescue Squadron, an element of the 106th Rescue Wing, on July 24, 2014 during a joint training exercise with the Rhode Island Army National Guard's Company A 2nd Battalion 19th Special Forces Group. The Airmen and Special Operations Soldiers conducted joint training involving zodiac inflatable boats and a special extraction system.

28 Jul, 2014

CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Capt. Clinton Bailly, Commander, and Sgt. 1st Class Carona Brown, Detachment Sergeant, salute the 37th Financial Management Detachment guidon signifying the incoming unit during the Transfer of Authority Ceremony 22 July 2014, Camp Beurhing, Kuwait. The New York Army Guard unit took over duties from the Texas Army National Guard's 149th Financial Management Detachment.

28 Jul, 2014

CAMP LEMMONNIER, DJIBOUTI-- New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dave Lewis, a C-12 pilot from Detachment 20 Operational Support Airlift, is congratulated by the commander of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Major General Wayne W. Grigsby, following his final flight as an Army aviator on July 25, 2014. Lewis’ last flight was back from Kenya in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The Latham-based C-12 detachment has been serving in Djibouti for ten months and is expected home soon.

24 Jul, 2014

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Army Pvt. Ethan Taylor and his search dog sit aboard a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter piloted by the New York National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. during some annual training exercises on July 23. Taylor, his dog and about 15 others are members of the 16th Military Police Brigade headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., an active duty unit temporarily stationed at Fort Drum for training purposes. There were five dog handlers introducing their dogs to boarding a helicopter while the aircraft was not operational. Later training would allow the dogs to ride aboard an actual flight. The 142nd was also performing annual training and assisting the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment and the 258th Field Artillery to conduct sling load and air assault training. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone, 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters.

24 Jul, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE-- Members of the New York Guard, the state's volunteer and emergency response force, train on a Mobile Emergency Command Center or MERC, during their annual training here on Wednesday, July 23. New York Guard members are uniformed volunteers who serve as part of the New York State military forces and assist and augment the New York Army and Air National Guard during state missions and emergencies. The New York Guard's week-long training period began on Sunday, July 21.

22 Jul, 2014

FORT DRUM, N.Y. --The New York Army National Guard's 642d Aviation Support Battalion’s Company F, 1-169th Air Ambulance conduct Water Bucket training here July 17. Flight crews from the 1-169th flew from Wheeler Sack Airfield to Indian Lake in the Adirondacks to qualify in water bucket operations. With empty water buckets in tow, the flight crews flew filled them with 440 gallons of water and transported them prearranged drop site. In the event of a state or national emergency the unit is trained and qualified to respond and execute water bucket operations.

22 Jul, 2014

FS GABRESKI, Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach-- Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing conduct Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion refresher training during a drill weekend here on July 13, 2014. SERE training is designed to help airmen to survive in dangerous or isolated locations.

22 Jul, 2014

CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Arkansas-- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Dorvee a member of the 1427th Transportation Company carries five-gallon water cans during the 2014 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Joseph T. Robinson Arkansas July 14 2014. Dorvee was one of 14 competitors in the competition--which tests competitors on a variety of tactical and technical skills in a physically and mentally demanding environment--vying to earn the title of Best Warrior and become the Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Army Guard. The winners of the competition will go on to represent the Army Guard in the Department of the Army level Best Warrior Competition later this year.Winners are expected to be announced before the end of July.

16 Jul, 2014

Soldiers from U.S. Army Central Command Warrior Leadership Course conduct their final training lanes and evaluations during the night of July 11, 2014 in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. U.S. Army National Guard photo by New York Army National Guard Sgt. Harley Jelis, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

2 Jul, 2014

HORSEHEADS N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Brian Bennett teaches an emergency preparedness class during a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomos Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at Horseheads High School here on June 7 2014. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to about 160 people who attended the event. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100000 New Yorkers during 2014. Bennett of Moravia N.Y. is the first sergeant of 222nd Military Police Company. (U.S. National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Drumsta Joint Force Headquarters New York Army National Guard).

2 Jul, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait- Brand new New York Army National Guard sergeants Fabian Bishop and Jeffrey Houck, both members of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigde, are congratulated by 42nd CAB Command Sgt. Major Jorge Vazquez during a promotion ceremony here on June 30.

3 Jul, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK - Members of the New York Air National Guard's 103rd Rescue Squadron train for extended patient care at FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base on July 2nd, 2014. The training is designed to allow Pararescue Jumpers, Combat Rescue Officers and other rescue-related personnel to care for injured servicemembers in geographically isolated locations. (New York Air National Guard / Senior Airman Christopher S Muncy / released)

8 Jul, 2014

AUBURN-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Juba Jefferson part of the forward detachment of the 102nd Military Police Battalion speaks with a local media reporter at the units deployment ceremony here July 6. More than 50 Soldiers will deploy to Guantanamo Bay Cuba to support JTF Gitmo later this summer.

7 Jul, 2014

CAMP MARMEL, Afghanistan--Soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 1569th Transportation Company make their way out from under the Chinook. As soon as the instructors ensured the cargo was hooked up, they would signal to the crew team that everything was ready to go. The Soldiers have been in Afghanistan since May providing logistics support to coalition forces.

3 Jul, 2014

CAMP MARMAL Afghanistan-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of 3rd Platoon 1569th Transportation company take time out for a group photo as they prepare to execute a Combat Escort Team mission protecting supplies for coalition forces. The Soldiers from the New Windsor- based National Guard unit have been in Afghanistan since May providing logistics support from this German Army-run coalition Forward Operating Base. Combat Escort Teams (CET) are the fighting element of the Combat Logistics Patrols which keep forces in Afghanistan supplied.

3 Jul, 2014

KANGERLUSSUAQ, Greenland--An LC-130 "Skibird" with the 109th Airlift Wing from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, N.Y., takes off from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on June 29, 2014, for Summit Camp. Two LC-130s and 70 Airmen from the Wing recently completed the fourth rotation of the 2014 Greenland season. The unit flies supply and refueling missions to various camps in support of the National Science Foundation and also trains for the Operation Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica.

25 Jun, 2014

NEW YORK--New York Naval Militia Petty Officer 3 Dan Diniso inspects the port engine on New York Naval Militia patrol boat PB 440 during operations on June 20. The boat conducts operations in New York harbor in support of the Coast Guard.

29 Jun, 2014

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Retired Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, left, former commander of the 42nd Infantry Division and Adjutant General of the State of New York, representing the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation, joins current Rainbow Division Commander Maj. Gen. Harry Miller unveiling a memorial that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the mobilization of the 42nd Infantry Division for combat service in Iraq. The division mobilized in 2004 to form the division base of Task Force Liberty, a force that would see more than 23,000 Soldiers serve in North Central Iraq. Photo by Master Sgt. Peter Towse, 42nd Infantry Division.

26 Jun, 2014

LATHAM--Lt. Col. Stephen Howe, the Senior Army Advisor to the New York Army National Guard, administers the oath to five new officers during a short ceremony here in Latham. The new officers are ( from left) 2nd Lt. Michelle Speicher, 2nd Lt. Blair Veney, 2nd Lt. Franco Fabiani, 2nd Lt. Victor Pascual, and 2nd Lt. John Rosekranz.

25 Jun, 2014

LATHAM N.Y. -- Keri ONeil (left) Colleen Casey (middle left) Lisa Hedges (middle right) and her son Jacob Hedges (far right) plant a bed of marigolds at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) here June 11. The planting which resembles the shape of a yellow ribbon is the annual community service project for the New York State Family Programs Teen Council. ONeil of Rotterdam N.Y. is a Family Programs child and youth program coordinator; Casey of Granville N.Y. is a lead child and youth program coordinator for Family Programs; Jacob Hedges is the treasurer of the teen council and son of 109th Airlift Wing member Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hedges; and Lisa Hedges is a Family Programs volunteer. The Hedges live in Schoharie N.Y.

20 Jun, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Chief Warrant Officer Louis Malizia, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), fires a 240B machine gun for the first phase of aerial gunnery on June 3, 2014, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait

23 Jun, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINNG SITE-- Staff Sgt. Timothy Janis an instructor with the 106th Regional Training Institute and a Sunnyside N.Y. resident instructs students during Combat Lifesaver Training conducted by the 106th Regional Training Institute here on Saturday June 21.

5 Jun, 2014

KENYA, Africa-- A view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet, from the window of a C-12 being operated by the New York Army National Guard aviators of Detachment 20, Operational Support Aviation Command. The unit is deployed in Djibouti supporting U.S. operations in Africa. (Courtesy CW 5 Kent Wagner)

20 Jun, 2014

FORT DRUM-- These New York National Guard Soldiers of the 108th Infantry are in the field at "Pine Camp", as Fort Drum was known in 1948, while attending annual training. This image and others can be found on a series of home movie clips donated to, and digitized by the New York State Military Museum. The Soldiers are on the range, marching in a review, and eating chow in the field.

19 Jun, 2014

LATHAM- Major General Patrick Murphy ( left) the Adjutant General of New York presents Divison of Military and Naval Affairs Chief Budget Analyst Tom Halabuda with a certifcate marking 30 years of service on Wednesday June 18. Halabuda, a Clifton Park resident and graduate of Siena College has worked in the DMNA budget office since 1984.

16 Jun, 2014

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti--New York Army National Guard Warrant Officer Dave Lewis ( left) joins Brig. General Wayne Grigsby, commander of Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa and a Soldier from the 1st Battalion 18th Infantry in cutting an Army Birthday cake on Saturday June 14 as the task force marked the Army's Birthday. Lewis tooks his turn cutting the cake as the oldest Soldier present. Traditionally oldest Soldier and youngest Soldier at an Army Birthday gathering join the ranking officer in cutting the cake. Lewis and seven other New York Army National Guard aviators are operting a C-12 aircraft in support of CJTF-HOA.

13 May, 2014

LATHAM-- New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks (center kneeling) with other members of Joint Force Headquarters Detachment following a physical fitness test on Thursday May 8. This was Wicks last PT test prior to his planned retirement in the fall. Wicks scored 251 out of 300 points.

16 Jun, 2014

ARABIAN GULF-- An AH-64 Apache operating under the command of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade lands on the British naval auxiliary ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan during joint training on June 9. The Apache pilots from the 3rd Battalion 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion trained on deck landings and functioned as scouts for the Cardigan Bay during Exercise Spartan Kopis an exchange between the Cardigan Bay and both the Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache elements of the 42nd CAB. Spartan Kopis was the first time American Apaches worked with a Royal Navy ship to function as its eyes and ears during an escalation of force exercise in conjunction with the U.S.S. Thunderbolt U.S. Navy.

16 Jun, 2014

LATHAM- The New York National Guard's oldest Soldier-- 65-year old Col. Joan Sullivan (right)-- joins one of its youngest Soldiers, 19-year old Pvt. 1st Class Jack Jeffers, (right) and Brig. Gen. Raymond Shields (center) the director of joint staff for the New York National Guard, in cutting a cake during a celebration of the Army's 239th Birthday on Friday, June 13 at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters. The United States Army was created on June 14, 1775.

13 Jun, 2014

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Daniel Dukin poses with a visitor to the weapons and equipment display the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry presented in Bryant Park on Friday June 13 as part of events commemorating the 239th Birthday of the United States Army on Saturday June 14 2014.

12 Jun, 2014

SENECA ARMY DEPOT, N.Y. -- Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry from Ithaca,trained with two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and their crews from Bravo Company, Det. 1, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation out of Rochester at Seneca Army Depot, on Saturday, June 7. The depot is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Newly trained pathfinder and air assault Soldiers trained the company on how to sling load the Co. D uparmored and soft skinned Humvees. When the CH-47s arrived, the flight crews verified the loads and gave rehearsals for the loading and unloading the aircraft. Each of the trained hook up crews rotated through hooking the sling loads up and the Chinooks flew a short pattern with the 5,000 lbs and 12, 000 lbs Humvees. Each of the four assault platoons in Co. D were flown around Canandaigua and Keuka Lakes. While aboard the helicopter Company Commander Gary Clark was able to promote Spc. Joshua Meriwether to Sergeant.

12 Jun, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Soldiers from the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion train with aviators from 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, on night sling load operations on June 5, 2014, in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.The 642nd and 142nd, both under the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, New York Army National Guard, are deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (N.Y. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Harley Jelis/Released)

11 Jun, 2014

WATERVLIET-- Military kids whose parents serve in the New York Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Joint Force Headquarters--New York, check out the recruiting command climbing tower during family day activities on Sunday, June 8 at the Watervliet Arsenal. The annual event lets Guard families enjoy each others company in a relaxed setting.

10 Jun, 2014

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia- Lt. Col. Drew Pinckney receives the guidon of the New York National Guard's 2nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (CST) during change-of-command ceremonies here on Monday, June 9. Pinckney took over from Lt. Col. Tom Benton, who has commanded the team since 2011. Benton will be moving to Florida to take command of one of Florida's two CSTs.

5 Jun, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait- The Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 642nd Aviation Support Battalion conduct a battalion run on May 24, 2014. The unit has been deployed in Kuwait as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade since December and is expected home at the end of the summer of 2014.

13 May, 2014

ALBANY N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Daniel Price teaches a disaster and emergency preparedness class during a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomos Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at the State University of New York at Albany here on May 10 2014. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to more than 290 people who attended the event. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100000 New Yorkers during 2014.

5 Jun, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- A Soldier from the 3rd Battalion 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion engages targets with a 240B machine gun during gunnery training here on June 3. The company, along with other elements of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade is deployed in Kuwait. Engaging targets on the ground is the first step in aerial gunnery training. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion 238th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) from the Michigan Army National Guard , currently assigned to the brigde, also participated in the training.

4 Jun, 2014

ROUND LAKE, N.Y. -- A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk based in Latham and a New York State Police Bell Huey II helicopter hover in place while doing swift load and drop water bucket training here, June 4. Both agencies trained their helicopter crews to prepare to fight wild fires at the same time and place. In addition, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers were on site to observe and help crews maneuver to water drop points, just as they would do during a forest fire. Both aircraft use a delivery system know as the Bambi Bucket. The State Police used a bucket that holds 750 pounds of water and the National Guard used a 560 gallon bucket that weighs two tons when full. Both agencies need to conduct this training annually because each bucket weighs more than two tons when loaded with water and it is necessary to practice flying with that much extra weight under the aircraft in order to fly safely in an actual emergency.

22 May, 2014

YAPHANK New York- Members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wings Fire Department hone their firefighting skills at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank N.Y. with live fire training exercises May 9th 2014.

27 May, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Soldiers from HHC 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade stand for a group photo after a Joint Air Attack Team exercise on May 21, 2014, near near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 42nd CAB, comprised of Army National Guard units from New York, Michigan, and Delaware, and active duty units from the 12th CAB from Germany, is currently deployed to Kuwait and regularly conducts joint exchanges and exercises with forces across the region.

1 Jun, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. -- For the fifth year in a row, a team from the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing has won the annual "TAG (The Adjutant General) Match," held here May 31 to June 1. The team members are, from left: Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, Lewiston, N.Y.; Tech. Sgt. Ryan Mang, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. Johnathen Wagner, Buffalo; and Tech. Sgt. Warren Jones, Rochester, N.Y. Marksmanship training and competition has long been a key component of National Guard training. The modern TAG Match requires participants to employ the weapons used on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. The match consists of eight timed events that include the use of those weapons during close-quarters combat, casualty, and nuclear biological chemical (NBC) drills. About 125 New York National Guard troops from across the state took part in the match.

31 May, 2014

New York Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Dee fires an M-9 pistol during the 35th Annual "TAG (The Adjutant General) Match at Camp Smith on May 31. Dee and about 125 New York National Guard members are taking part in the match, testing their marksmanship skills with weapons like the M-16 rifle, M-9 pistol and M-249 light machine gun. Along with 25 TAG Matches, Dee has competed on the state, national and international level, taking part in shooting matches in Canada and England. He’s double-distinguished in rifle and pistol, and has earned the National Guard Chief’s 50 Marksmanship Badge three times: once in the rifle category and twice in the sniper category.

30 May, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. -- Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, 107th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, speaks about the "TAG (The Adjutant General) Match," the annual shooting competition which is being held here May 30 to June 1. Stefik is among about 125 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who will be taking part in the match and testing their marksmanship skills with the M-16 rifle, M-9 pistol and M-249 light machine gun.

29 May, 2014

JONES BEACH, N.Y.-- Six pararescue jumpers frm the New York Air National Guard's 103rd Rescue Squadron prepare to exit an HH-130 flown by the 102nd Rescue Squadron during the annual Jones Beach Air Show on Saturday, May 24. The 106th Rescue Wing units normally stag a jump as part of the annual air show but couldn't participate in 2013 because of federal budget cuts. The six Airmen conducted a static line jump from 15,000 feet, landed off shore, and sawm in as part of the event.

29 May, 2014

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas-- Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division man their command post stations during the division's Warfighter training here May 20-26. The training exercise tests the ability of a division staff to process information and make decisions in a simulated combat situation.

23 May, 2014

SCHENECTADY COUNTY AIRPORT--New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing pull an LC-130 aircraft 15 feet at Richmor Aviation Schenectady County Airport on May 22 2014 as part of the the Unified Military Association Councils Airplane Pull. The 109th team of 25 members kicked off the event pulling the aircraft in 1448 seconds. The corporate challenge included nearly 20 teams most of which were corporations throughout the community.

27 May, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- More than 6,800 luminaries glow in the Kuwaiti night here during a Memorial Day vigil held on May 26. New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, who are currently deployed here, participated in the event as well as in a 5k run held on Memorial Day. Each light commemorated an American servicemember who died in Afghanistan or Iraq.

22 May, 2014

LATHAM N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Soldier Sgt. Charles Holmes (right) plays Taps while a firing detail presents arms (left ) during a Memorial Day Ceremony held at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs here May 20 2014. More than 200 personnel attended the event which included speeches and the detail of Soldiers who fired volleys to salute service members who sacrificed their lives for America. Holmes is from Cobleskill N.Y.

22 May, 2014

SARATOGA NATIONAL CEMETERY--F-16s from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing execute the Missing Man formation during a flyover in honor of New York Air National Guard Major General (retired) Robert Knauff who was interred here on Tuesday May 20. Knauff was a former commander of the New York Air National Guard and the 174th Fighter Wing.

20 May, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct a live fire of the AT-4 anti-tank weapon on May 19th 2014 near Camp Buehring Kuwait.The 642nd ASB New York Army National Guard is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the deployment the battalion has been able to train its soldiers on each assigned weapon system including the MK-19 grenade launcher and M2 .50 caliber machine gun.

19 May, 2014

CAMP ETHAN ALLEN, V.T.--New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeff Dorvee--pictured here during the road march competition-- an Active Guard and Reserve member of the 1427th Medium Truck Company, won in the NCO category of the Northeast Regional Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ethan Allen May 13-16. Dorvee outdid competitors from New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont,Maine, and New Hampshire to take the NCO honors. He will compete for the top spot in the Army National Guard in July.

13 May, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NEW YORK - Members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing conduct Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) refresher training at FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base on May 9th 2014. SERE Specialist Staff Sergeant Brian Alfono led the training showing aircrew members ways to properly cover and conceal from a pursuing enemy force and how to camoflage themselves using available materials before meeting up with Pararescue Jumpers from the 103rd Rescue Squadron.

14 May, 2014

FORT DRUM, N.Y.--New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the Auburn, N.Y.-based 102nd Military Police Battalion react to direct fire and prepare to assault the enemy during a pre-mobilization training fight lane exercise Sunday, May 11 at Fort Drum.

13 May, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NEW YORK - General Frank J Grass Chief of the National Guard Bureau congratulates New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Matt Zimmer on receving his second Bronze Star with Valor award during a visit to FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base on May 10th 2014. During his visit General Grass toured the base coined outstanding Airmen and answered questions concerning the future of the Air National Guard. Grass was in New York City to attend an event on Ellis Island and took time to visit the men and women of the 106th Rescue Wing.

13 May, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait- New York Army National Guard Captain Capt. Noelle Helgeson presents a flower to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Renee Gaudio on Mothers Day, May 11. Moms assigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade headquarters received carnations to mark the day and their seperation from their children.

10 May, 2014

NEW YORK- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeff Dorvee announces that the the Oakland Raiders picked Mississippi State football player Gabe Jackson as the 81st draft pick in the 2014 National Football League Draft on Friday, May 9. Dorvee, a member of the 1427th Transportation company is the New York Army National Guard's 2014 Active Guard and Reserve NCO of the Year. Dorvee was one of 15 servicemembers who took turns announcing draft picks during the first round of the draft conducted at Radio City Music Hall.

18 Apr, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh-- New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Joelle Michaud a trainer with the 105th Maintenance Squadron New York Air National Guard chats with Fernando Mejias a donor specialist with the New York Blood Center while donating the gift of life at a quarterly blood drive held at Stewart Air National Guard Base N.Y. April 18 2014.

8 May, 2014

EXMOUTH, Western Australia-- New York Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 107th Civil Engineer Squadron salute during ANZAC Day ceremonies held here on April 25. The members of the 107th Airlift Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, were in Australia building a new facility at the H.E. Holt Naval Communications Station which will allow the installation of a new deep space surveillance radar being shipped from Antigua. ANZAC Day commemorates the heroism of the Australian and New Zealand Corps during World War I and in all conflicts since then, and is similar to Memorial Day in the United States. The New York Air National Guardsmen took part in a march through town and the ceremonies which followed

7 May, 2014

CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait-- Soldiers deployed to Kuwait, including New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, take a physical fitness test while attending Camp Buehring's Warrior Leadership Course on May 3, 2014.

29 Apr, 2014

WATERVLIET-- Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command Sgt. Major Joseph Mitchell speaks following a transition of authority ceremony at the Watervliet Arsenal on Monday, April 28. Mitchell, formerly the operations sergeant major for the battalion, replaces CSM Jared Bunch who will assume new duties as operations sergeant major of the 53rd Troop Command.

17 Apr, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Members of the 107th Airlift Wing participate in the “Walk A Mile” Sexual Assault Awareness Walk held here April 13, 2014. The "Walk a Mile" Awareness event was organized by the 107th Sexual Assault Prevention office to highlight the wing's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault. "When we all get involved we will move the Air Force closer to a culture free of sexual assault. said Col. John Higgins, 107th AW Commander.

15 Apr, 2014

KUWAIT-- AH-64 helicopters and a UH-60 under the command of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade rendezvous with the Coast Guard cutter Maui during joint training operations in the Persian Gulf earlier this month. The 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade has been deployed in Kuwait providing support to US forces in the region.

4 May, 2014

ORISKANY, N.Y. - More than 600 National Guardsmen from three states completed a five-day disaster exercise at the New York State Preparedness Training Center here May 2, and now serve as the new Region 2 Homeland Response Force (HRF). The exercise tested all the capabilities of the HRF, which is made up of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. In the days leading up to the final evaluation, HRF troops -- suited up in full protective suits, masks, boots and helmets -- located mock victims in a simulated disaster site, decontaminated them, treated their injuries and evacuated them for further treatment.

1 May, 2014

ORISKANY, N.Y.-- New York State Commissioner Jerome Hauer, center, from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services visits with National Guard leaders during a visit to the Homeland Response Force validation training May 1. Nearly 600 service members from the New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico National Guard are conducting a training exercise at the New York State Preparedness Training Center here from April 28 to May 2, 2014. The National Guard members here are a part of the Region II Homeland Response team, which also covers the Virgin Islands. External Evaluators from the Joint Interagency Training and Education Center out of West Virginia trained the HRF for their upcoming validation evaluation. Civilian first responders and specially trained role-players were brought in for the exercise in order to create a more realistic environment.New York Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Patricia Austin.

1 May, 2014

ORISKANY N.Y.-- Members of the Search and Extraction team assist a role-player to a safe zone during a Homeland Response Force (HRF) training exercise that took place here from April 28 to May 2 2014. The role-players are specially trained in order to give HRF members as realistic of a scenario as possible.

30 Apr, 2014

ORISKANY--Soldiers from Alpha Co. 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion train for an upcoming Homeland Response Force exercise at the New York State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, NY.

27 May, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait- The Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 642nd Aviation Support Battalion,conduct a a battalion group run at 6 A.M. on May 24th, 2014, in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

15 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of Headquarters and Service Company of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion practice slingloading with a helicopter from Company A 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation on April 12.

29 Apr, 2014

FORT HOOD, TX-- New York Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major Frank Wicks (right) promotes 1569th Transportaton Company member Ronald Walker to sergeant during a visit to the unit on April 29. The 1569th Soldiers have been training at Fort Drum to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan. This was the first time in his 31-year military career that Wicks had "pinned on" a Soldiers new rank. He's always tried to have a family member or other leader do it, Wicks explained.

18 Apr, 2014

TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade pose with members of the Saudi military and Soldiers from the Delaware Army National Guard and Active Army following an awards ceremony which concluded Exercise Iron Hawk which the unit participated in on April 14, 2014.

17 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- New York Army Natonal Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviaton Brigade speak to Command Sgt. Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III during a visit to Kuwait. The Soldiers received his coin in recognition of their outstanding work.

22 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Chaplain (Major) Doug Brock conducts an Easter Sunrise Service for Soldiers of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on the flightline here on Sunday, April 20. There are 450 members of the New York Army National Guard currently deployed in Kuwait as part of the brigade.

22 Apr, 2014

NEW YORK-- New York Army National Guard 1st Sgt. David Peeler, a member of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, speaks with a Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Officer during a Multi-Agency Super Surge (MASS) security exercise held here on April 21, the same date as the 2014 Boston Marathon. The MASS exercises bring together a number of city, state and federal security forces.

21 Apr, 2014

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from 4th Finance Detachment navigate a simulated casualty over a six-foot wall as part of a practical evaluation for a Combat Lifesaver course conducted on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst N.J. on April 1 2014. The Soldiers completed CLS as part of their pre-deployment training for Afghanistan

17 Apr, 2014

TABUK, Saudi Arabia--NewYork Army National Guard Col. Albert J. Ricci Sr., commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), speaks to Royal Saudi Land Forces commanders after a practice air assault during Exercise Friendship and Iron Hawk 14 on April 10th, 2014, near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Iron Hawk and Friendship 14 involved U.S. Army forces from the 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Saudi Arabian ground and aviation forces. Over weeks of practice the two militaries focused on improving their joint operating capabilities, integrating infantry, armor, and aviation assets from both countries in the final event on April 13th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, composed of National Guardsmen from New York, Michigan, Delaware, Indiana, and Kentucky, and soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and conducts joint partnerships and exchanges with nations from across the region.

18 Apr, 2014

SHERARD OSBORN ISLAND, Nunavut--An LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing flies over Ice Camp One, Sherard Osborn Island, Nunavut during Operation NUNALIVUT on April 15, 2014. The exercise tests Canadian and American forces ability to respond to threats in the high Arctic. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped aircraft in the U.S. military.

15 Apr, 2014

FARMINGDALE NY--Set and costume designer Stev Taylor makes an adjustment to the custom being worn by New York Army National Guard Sgt Joseph Murphy of the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry during the filming of scenes for the Universal Television TV show State of Affairs at Republic Airport here on April 3. Murphy portrayed a Navy SEAL in the TV show.

11 Apr, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- New York Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Marc Sommers an observer with the 105th Airlift Wing Inspection Team New York Air National Guard watches Staff Sgt. Flavio Martinez Officers Joe Brescia and Scott Brownely as they respond to an active shooter incident during a base wide training exercise at Stewart Air National Guard Base N.Y. April 2 2014.

15 Apr, 2014

LATHAM, N.Y. -- Members of the New York National Guard's Family Program Office -- sporting purple to represent military kids of all service members -- joined with headquarters staff members on Tuesday, April 15 to mark the Month of the Military Child. All this month, National Guard Family programs will be hosting activities to mark the sacrifices kids of military parents make.

14 Apr, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. -- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry board UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters of the 3rd Battalion, 142 Aviation here for a mock air-assault exercise at a Fort Dix, New Jersey training area on April 5, 2014. The Soldiers, who belong to the battalion's A Company, also conducted patrols and performed other task as part of the exercise.

14 Apr, 2014

RESOLUTE BAY, Nunavut--In this Canadian Forces Photo An LC-130 of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing lands at the Resolute Bay Airport, Nunavut on April 11, during Operation NUNALIVUT 2014, an annual exercise conducted by the Canadian Forces Joint Task Force North. The 109th Airlift Wing is a New York Air National Guard unit who will be using this aircraft to position fuel and supplies for the operation. The 109th Airlift Wing employs the United States Department of Defence’s only ski-equipped aircraft capable of conducting operations in remote Polar Regions.

11 Apr, 2014

Moody Air Force Base, GA --Family members of New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd "TJ" Lobraico Jr. watch as a memorial is unveiled in his honor during a dedication ceremony April 10, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Lobraico was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron out of Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., and died Sept. 5, 2013, from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small-arms fire near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. His team was serving with Airmen from Moody's 820th Base Defense Group.

1 Apr, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Members of the 106th Rescue Wing Honor Guard conducted training despite snowy weather at FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base on March 31st, 2014.

7 Apr, 2014

FORT DRUM, NY--A soldier with Battery A, 1st Battalion of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment, runs toward Gun 5 moments after it fired in the rain and snow at Fort Drum, N.Y. April 5.

7 Apr, 2014

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph O’ Connor re-assembles a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the New York Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition here April 5. About a dozen New York Army National Guard Soldiers from various units across the state took part in the three-day competition, which tests troops’ physical fitness, military knowledge, endurance, marksmanship, land-navigation abilities and other soldier skills. O’Connor is a Buffalo resident and member of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

3 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- A New York Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion sends Mark 19 grenade launcher rounds downrange during familiarization fire in Kuwait. The battalion is deployed as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

2 Apr, 2014

NEW YORK- CH-47 Chinook helicopters assigned to the New York Army National Guard's Detachment 1 Company B 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation regiment circle New York City during a training flight on Tuesday, April 1. The aviators, who are based in Rochester, were flying in the New York City area to familiarize themselves with the airspace traffic patterns there in case they needed to respond during an emergency. During the New York National Guard's response to Superstorm Sandy in 2012 CH-47s were used to airlift in supplies. (Courtesy 3-126th Aviation.)

1 Apr, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Anthony Lanham, an aviation operations specialist with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), is awarded the personal coin of Gen. Frank J Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for exemplary service while Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau, looks on on March 25th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, is deployed to Kuwait to provide rotary wing assets to the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

1 Apr, 2014

CAMP BEUHRING, KUWAIT-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade conduct their annual M-4 qualification on ranges here on March 26, 2014. The Soldiers are deployed in Kuwait providing Army aviation support to American forces in the region.

30 Mar, 2014

BOLTON LANDING--Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York (right) presents General David Perkins, the commanding general of Army Training and Doctrine Command, with a book on New York's historic armories on Saturday, March 29, during the Adjutant General's Professional Day here. Perkins spoke to more than 200 Army and Air National Guard leaders about adaptive leadership, relating it to the changes in Army doctrine.

27 Mar, 2014

KUWAIT-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 642nd Aviation Support Battalion receive awards following a St. Patrick's Day "Fun Run" the unit held on Monday, March 15.

24 Mar, 2014

TROY-- Members of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs staff who attended the STRIDE Adaptive Sports Wounded Warrior Welcome dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy on March 7 posed for a group photograph. STRIDE, based in East Greenbush, helps disabled children, adults and veterans enjoy sporting, exercise and recreational opportunities, Twenty wounded warriors took part inthe STRIDE Snowfest weekend and enjoyed the chance to ski and participate in other winter sports.

26 Mar, 2014

ALBANY-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Presley IIIreceives the New York State Medal for Valor from Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy during Governor Andrew Cuomo's Veterans and Military Family Summit here on Thursda, March 20. Presley was honored for risking his life to save New York Army National Guard Capt. Timothy Neild on Dec. 9, 2013, after Neild's truck crashed and caught fire on the New York State Thruway. The Medal of Valor is New York's most prestigious military award.

24 Mar, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY -New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant George Liandrakis stacks up during an "active shooter" training scenario on March 8th, 2014. During this training, members of the 106th Security Forces Squadron respond to reports of a simulated workplace shooting.

21 Mar, 2014

LATHAM -- Division of Military and Naval Affairs employee Susan Tousignant was honored for 35 years of service by the Adjutant General, Major General Patrick Murphy, during a short ceremony on Wednesday, March 19. She currently works in the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

19 Mar, 2014

DOUALA, Cameroon--Congolese national police Capt. Patrick Ossate and New York Army National Guard Specialist Daren E. Mills, a member of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, process Soldiers arriving at Exercise Central Accord 14 in Douala, Cameroon, March 18. The two are part of the Joint Reception, Staging, Onward movement and Integration cell, which manages personnel arriving and departing the exercise.

18 Mar, 2014

NEW YORK--Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion 69th Infantry lead the St. Patrick's Day parade here for the 163rd time on Monday, March 17.The Soldiers of the battalion were joined by the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band as well as by Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, and other key leaders of the New York National Guard. More than 800 New York National Guard members participated in the parade. Lieutenant General Joseph L. Lengyel, the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau joined the battalion's Soldiers during this year's march along with U.S. Representative Peter King.-

17 Mar, 2014

BLOEMFONTEIN,South Africa -- Members of the joint New York Army and Air National Guard team participating in the South African Combat Rifle Competition receive their second place award during a ceremony here on March 11. The ten member New York National Guard Team--composed of five Airmen and five Soldiers--finished second place out of 35 teams and 350 individual shooters.Pictured are (from left) Tech Sgt. Weatherby, Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas Staff Sgt. Mathew Zimmer, Senior Airman Mathew Rosen 1st Lt. Sean Lucas , Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hare, Sgt. Massami Yamakado, 1st Lt. Thomas Beach, 1st Lt. Wesley Roberts and Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik.

17 Mar, 2014

COLONIE-- New York Air National Guard Airmen of the 109th Airlift Wing return to the Capital Region from Bagram, Afghanistan on Saturday, March 15. The Airmen were greeted by friends and family after arriving at Albany International Airport following a six month deployment.

14 Mar, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Rachel Taylor, a personnel craftsman with the 105th Force Support Squadron, shares a moment with her daughter prior to the start of a medal presentation ceremony for Airmen of the 105th Base Defense Squadron. Among those recognized was her husband Staff Sgt. Vinh Taylor who was awarded and Air Force Combat Action medal for service in Afghanistan, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. March 2, 2014.

13 Mar, 2014

BLOEMFONTEIN,South Africa-- Members of the joint New York Army and Air National Guard team participating in the South African Combat Rifle Competition receive individual marksmanship awards during the competition here. The ten member New York National Guard Team--composed of five Airmen and five Soldiers--finished second place out of 35 teams and 350 individual shooters. Army National Guard 1st Lt. Thomas Beach, the team captain finished in the number six sport out of all shooters. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, the team manager placed second on the NCO/Warrant officer category and Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas and Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Zimmer, both earned qualification badges. The team competes in a final shoot-off on Saturday, March 15.

11 Mar, 2014

FORT HAMILTON-- Members of the 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment gathered at Fort Hamilton on Saturday, March 8 for a brief send off ceremony prior to leaving for post-mobilization training. The five members of the team will deploy to Afghanistan. They are (from left) Maj. Robert Lathrop, Maj Philip Miller, 1st LT Teofilo Espinal, Master Sgt. Jaime Mendez and Master Sgt. Thomas London.

11 Mar, 2014

BLOEMFONTEIN,South Africa-- Members of the joint New York Army and Air National Guard team participating in the South African Combat Rifle Competition here take time out to pose for a picture on Monday, March 10. The 10-member team, composed of five Soldiers and five Airmen, is competing against 350 marksmen from South Africa and other nations. So far three New York Airman and one New York Soldier have received the South African Army Rifle Qualification Badge. All the New Yorkers are in the top 509 shooters and Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas from the 105th Airlift Wing is in the top six.

10 Mar, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--New York Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Chatfield, a memberr of the 1569th Transportation Company, with family members friends and fellow Soliders during a bendediction at a pre-deployment ceremony for the 1569th Transportation Company conducted in a hangar at the 105th Airlift Wing March 9 2014. The soldiers will conduct pre-deployment training at Fort Hood Killeen Texas before leaving for operations in Afghanistan. The mobilization and deployment of the 1569th Transportation Company is expected to last one year.

9 Mar, 2014

ROME-- Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Dawne Deskins, commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector, speaks to members of EADS and guests during her promotion ceremony on Saturday, March 8. Deskins next assignment is at National Guard Bureau, serving as special assistant to Air National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke dealing with sexual assault and harassment prevention.

6 Mar, 2014

FS GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Pararescue Jumpers and Combat Rescue Officers from the 106th Rescue Wing's 103rd Rescue Squadron conduct emergency medical refresher training on February 27th, 2014. The training involved PJ's and CRO's rotating through various lanes, replicating the types of injuries often seen on the battlefield.

3 Mar, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE NEWBURGH NY -- Twenty New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 105th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron New York Air National Guard received 29 medals during an awards ceremony attended by Lieutenant General Stanley E. Clarke III Director of the Air National Guard.

3 Mar, 2014

SCHENECTADY, NY -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Pamela Daigle (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Karin Tirinato (right) distribute disaster and emergency response starter kits following a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at Union College here on March 1. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to more than 400 people who attended the event.

4 Mar, 2014

Rochester -- Spc. Stephanie Heusinger a Soldier from the 222nd Military Police Company and her family talk to Tricare representative Barbara Veeder during the Yellow Ribbon event held at the Raddison hotel on March 1. Soldiers spoke to various network and community resource providers ranging from health and dental services to counselors and veterans affairs.Approximately 150 Soldiers Airmen and individual augmentees and family members were in attendance of the New York Army National Guards Rochester-based 222nd Military Police Companys 90-day Yellow Ribbon event.

27 Feb, 2014

KUWAIT-- Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, meets with New York Army National Guard Soldiers deployed to Kuwait with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade on February 8 during his visit to troops there.

26 Feb, 2014

BETHPAGE, NY -- New York Air National Guard 1st Lt. Robert McCoy fields questions after teaching a disaster and emergency preparedness class during a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at Bethpage High School here on Feb. 22. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to about 575 people who attended the event. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. McCoy, of New York City, belongs to the 106th Rescue Wing.

24 Feb, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS-- Historian Harry Bradshaw Matthews, Associated Dean of Hartwick College, speaks about the place of the Civil War-era United States Colored Troops in the African American struggle for freedom during a program on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the the New York State Military Musem. Three regiments of federal United States Colored Troops were raised in New York during the Civil War. About 200,000 black men served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

24 Feb, 2014

SOCHI, Russia- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nick Cunningham, the bobsled driver, and New York Army National Guard Sgt. Justin Olsen, a pusher, along with Army Sgt. Dallas Robinson and civilian Johnny Quinn make their first Olympic four-man bobsled training run aboard USA-2 at Sanki Sliding Centre in Krasnaya Polyana Russia on Feb. 19. The three Soldiers are all part of the Army World Class Athlete Program. The team did not make the Olympic finals, although the U.S. men's two man bobsled team did medal.

21 Feb, 2014

NATIONAL HARBOR Md. -- Members of the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force the 2013 Outstanding State National Guard Civil Operations Program Award during a ceremony here Feb. 6 2013. The New York Counterdrug Program headquartered at Stratton Air National Guard Base Scotia N.Y. was recognized by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America for its efforts to strengthen community coalitions throughout the state.

10 Feb, 2014

LATHAM--New York Army National Guard SPC Steven Smith of the 42nd HSB prepares to field strip an M-249 as part of the 42nd Infantry Division's 2014 Best Warrior Competition, held at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs flight facility in Latham, NY on February 8, 2014.

18 Feb, 2014

SOCHI, Russia--New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nick Cunningham and Army Sgt. Dallas Robinson, both with the U.S. Army World Class Program, post a time of 56.73 seconds, during the Olympic bobsled competition at the Sanki Sliding Center in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia during competition on Saturday, Feb. 16. The two men finished 13th in the two-man bobsled competition.

12 Feb, 2014

THIELLS, NY -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Erik Collado (right) gives a disaster and emergency response starter kit to Barbara Peters (left) following a session of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at North Rockland High School here on Feb. 8. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to about 730 people who attended events at the high school here and in Oneida County, and distributed about 630 kits. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. Each starter kit contains a first-aid kit, face mask, pocket radio with batteries, food bars, emergency blanket and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Collado, of Brooklyn, belongs to the 222nd Chemical Company and Peters is a resident of Nanuet, N.Y. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Drumsta, Joint Force Headquarters, New York Army National Guard).

14 Feb, 2014

SCOHI, Russia- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Matthew Mortensen (on top) and Utah Army National Guard Sgt. Preston Griffall (steering on bottom) round a curve in their first run of Olympic luge doubles at Sanki Sliding Centre in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia, Feb. 12, 2014. They finished their second run with a combined time of 1:41:703 to end up in 14th place overall.

10 Feb, 2014

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Capital Region G.I. Joe collector Tearle Ashby and fellow action figure enthusiasts display hundreds of vintage to recent G.I. Joe action figures here at the New York State Military Museum as part of the program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of G.I. Joe. Ashby also led a discussion about the origins of the toy's development from Hasbro. The action figure, first unveiled to toy buyers at the 1964 Toy Fair in New York City, led to decades of child's play with the 12" and later 3 3/4" figures. Portions of Ashby's collection has been on display at the museum since December 2012 as part of the "Toys and Tanks" exhibit, due to come down in March 2013.

11 Feb, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - South African Brigadier General Mashoro Abel Phala speaks with members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach on February 8th, 2014. During this visit, General Phala, the South African Defense Attache to the United States and Canada, toured the 101st, 102nd and 103rd Rescue Squadrons, inspecting equipment and speaking with airmen about their mission.

11 Feb, 2014

SOCHI, Russia-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Justen Olsen (arms upraised) helps lead Team USA into Fisht Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Olympic Park in Sochi Russia Feb. 7 2014. Olsen is assigned to the Armys World Class Athlete program.

10 Feb, 2014

TROY-- Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division's Headquarters and Service Company get in the right mood for a two-mile ruck march they conducted during drill here on Friday February 8 as part of the February drill weekend by doing push ups with full field pack. "This is a spiritual walk, a reminder of what we signed up to do," said 1st Sgt. Thomas C. Strauss.

7 Feb, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT--Major Gen. Patrick Murphy the Adjutant General of New York shakes hands with Col. Albert Ricci Sr. commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) during his visit of the brigade on Feb. 7 2014 on Camp Buehring Kuwait.The 42nd CAB is currently deployed to Kuwait to operate rotary winged aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

6 Feb, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY - Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing Civil Engineering Squadron de-ice an HC-130 at F.S. Gabreski ANG Base on February 4th, 2014 following a heavy snowstorm the evening before.

5 Feb, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Senior Airman Jonathan Mazura, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing, appears to summarize the region's response to winter as more snow hits New York. The photo was taken on February 3 as Mazura and other wing members worked to keep the HC-130 rescue aircraft based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base flyable.

4 Feb, 2014

PEGASUS FIELD, Antarctica- An LC-130 Skibird from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing is jacked up on the frozen ice shelf of Pegasus field 16 Jan 2014 after aircrew discovered a landing gear issue. The maintenance crews of the 109th Airlift Wing do not have hangars to work out of while deployed to Antarctica for Operation DEEP FREEZE and must work in the elements and handle unique challenges nearly every day.

3 Feb, 2014

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- New York Army National Guard Pfc. Edwin Olivera distributes disaster and emergency response starter kits at the launch of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program here on Feb. 1. New York National Guard troops gave disaster and emergency training to more than 1,200 people who attended events at New Dorp High School here and in Suffolk County. The program is designed to give citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local emergency management personnel will conduct future training sessions with the goal of teaching approximately 100,000 New Yorkers during 2014. Each starter kit contains a first Aid Kit, face mask, pocket radio with batteries, food bars emergency blanket and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Olivera, of Queens, N.Y., belongs to the 42nd Infantry Division.

31 Jan, 2014

PARK CITY, UTAH-- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Matthew Mortensen, a native of Huntingdon Station, N.Y. and a member of the 1156th Engineer Company prepares to head down the luge run during the 2013 World Cup Competition here on Dec. 10, 2013. Mortensen, who participates in the Army's World Class Athlete Program, will represent the United States in his sport during the 2014 Winter Games in Russia in February.

29 Jan, 2014

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Chief MAster Sergeant Vincent R Fondacaro, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron directs the bases plows in order to clear the runways at FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base following a morning snowstorm.

28 Jan, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit board a UH-60 Blackhawk operated by the New York Army National Guard's A Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Attack Helicopter Company, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, on Jan. 20, 2013, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Marines practiced conducting an air assault and clearing an enemy-held village as part of the joint training exercise.The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, operates rotary winged aircraft in the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and regularly trains with other U.S. military branches to enhance joint service capabilities.

23 Jan, 2014

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Nick Cunningham (front) jumps into a bobsled during competition in Utah Olympic Park in Park City Utah on Dec. 7. Cunningham, a bobsled driver, is one of four New York Army National Guard Soldiers who will participate in the Winter Olympics in February. Also on the team is Sgt. Justin Olsen, another bobsledder and 2010 Olympic Gold Medal winner, and Sgt. Tim Mortensen and Staff Sgt. William Tavares, who are both members of the luge team.

24 Jan, 2014

SYRACUSE, NY--Members of the New York Army National Guard after receiving the Order of St. Maurice Medal Dec. 14. From left: Sgt. Maj. Daniel Ames, 42nd Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Raymond Shields, the Director of the Joint Staff for the New York National Guard, Lt. Col. Aron Sacchetti, 42nd Infantry Division, and New York State Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Wicks.The Order of St. Maurice is presented by the National Infantry Association to Infantrymen who have made outstanding contributions.

17 Jan, 2014

KUWAIT--New York Army National Guard Spc. Jeffrey Pieper and Spc. Sarah Bryant, soldiers with A Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, fuel an AH-64 Apache operated by 4th Battalion, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Cavalry, now under the 42nd CAB, during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point exercise on Jan. 15, 2014, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, is based in Kuwait and has assumed command of Army aviation assets in the region as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (N.Y. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Harley Jelis/Released)

16 Jan, 2014

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- A member of the New York Guard's 56th Brigade works to help a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve preparing for a deployment prepare a will on January 6, 2014. The New York Guard, the state's volunteer defense force augments the National Guard during emergencies and assists during mobilizations. The unit traditionally helps the Marine Reserve units that are based at Stewart with their mobilizations.

16 Jan, 2014

LATHAM, NY- New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Raymond Shields (center), Director of Joint Staff for New York, briefs his Lousiana NAtional Guard counterpart, Brig Gen. Barry Keeling during a visit to the New York National Guard's Joint Operations Center on January 15. Keeling and other members of his staff were in New York for a visit to exchange information on best practices in dealing with disasters and other state emergencies.

16 Jan, 2014

SCOTIA N.Y. -- Air National Guardsmen construct a tower made of spaghetti and marshmallows during a team building exercise Jan. 11 at the 109th Airlift Wings first Leadership Development Course. The three-day course held by the 109th AW chiefs council at the Naval Operations Support Center Jan. 10-12 2014 covered topics including Profession of Arms performance review writing time management and career management.

15 Jan, 2014

CAMP Buehring, Kuwait-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation take a break with United States Air Force dog handlers during training here on Jan. 10. The Air Force dog handlers were familiarizing their animals with the process of getting on and off a helicopter. The 3-142nd Aviation Soldiers are deployed as part of a task force lead by the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

14 Jan, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- New York Army National Guard Soldiers of A Company 642nd Aviation Support Battalion setting up a fueling point on the flight line here during operations on January 13. The 642nd Aviation Support Battalion is in Kuwait as part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade's operations in support of U.S. forces in that country.

13 Jan, 2014

FORT DRUM--Spc. Steven Smith, an automated logistics Soldier with the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters Support Company, strips a M249 light machine gun while competing in a Best Warrior Competition at Fort Drum N.Y., Jan. 10. Smith, one of seven soldiers from the 42nd Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion to compete, won the competition and will proceed to the divisional level.

10 Jan, 2014

BUFFALO--Col. John Higgins, commander of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing, placed a wreath on the grave of President Millar Fillmore on behalf of President Barack Obama at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, N.Y., on Jan. 9, 2014. The wing places a wreath on the grave of the Fillmore, who served as president from 1850 to 1853 on the anniversary of his birth on Jan. 7, 1800. A major snow storm forced the ceremony, held in conjunction with the University of Buffalo, which Fillmore founded, to Jan 9.

10 Jan, 2014

FORT HAMILTON NY-- Brig Gen. Kent D. Savre commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division listens as Major General Patrick Murphy the Adjutant General of New York makes a point during a discussion about joint responses to emergencies during a discussion here on Thursday Jan. 9. At right is Todd Rosenblum Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas Security Affairs. The participants discussed a number of issues that occurred during the combined state/federal response to Hurricane Sandy. The group was also briefed on Joint Task Force Empire Shield Operations in New York City.

9 Jan, 2014

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-- Members of the the New York Army National Guard’s Company B 642nd Aviation Support Battalion wait to receive deployment patches during a ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait on January 1. The unit, based in Ronkonkoma, deployed to Kuwait in December to provide support to U.S. Forces there.

8 Jan, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION-- A New York Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 427th Brigade Support Battalion heads for his vehicle as he prepares to deploy with one of four New York National Guard Initial Response Forces (IRF) stood up to assist local officials as Artic cold and driving snow descend on the Buffalo NY area on Tuesday Jan. 7. At the Direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo the New York Army and Air National Guard mobilized more than 260 Soldiers and Airmen and had another 100 on standby.

7 Jan, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. - New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Richard Ball of Tonawanda, N.Y. and a member of the 107th Airlift Wing, packs his cold weather gear Jan. 7 in preparation for missions as part of the New York National Guard initial response force for Operation Polar Vortex. With heavy lake effect snows and wind chill warnings forecasting three feet of snow and temperatures at or below zero, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized 300 members of the New York National Guard to prepare to assist civil authorities during the storm’s passage this week. Members of the New York National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing in Niagara Falls, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry and 105th Military Police Company in Buffalo and the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse will all provide Soldiers and Airmen along with vehicles to support local authorities as needed.

6 Jan, 2014

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- U.S. Senator Charles Schumer inspects and LC-130 "Ski Bird" aircraft flown by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing during a visit to the base on Friday, Jan. 3. Col. Shawn Clouthier, the wing commander, provided the Senator with a tour of the aircraft and then presented a briefing on the wing's mission of support for National Science Foundation research in Antarctica and Greenland.

2 Jan, 2014

USS HARPERS FERRY, Arabian Gulf--A New York Army National Guard helicopters flown by Company A , 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation is guided onto the deck of the USS Harpers Ferry by Navy Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Brynn Proudfoot, from Houston, Mn, on Dec. 26, 2013 during deck land qualification trials. The Army National Guard aviators and Navy conducted joint training to build familiarity with each other's equipment and procedures, including landing different models of rotary wing aircraft on Navy Dock Landing Ships (LSD's).The aircraft are part of the task force lead by the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Kuwait.