New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs News - Governor Paterson Visits New York Soldiers in Afghanistan

New York Governor Visited Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan

Story by: Spc. Luke S. Austin - 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Dated: Tue, Dec 23, 2008

Governor Paterson Visits New York Soldiers in Afghanistan

Gov. David Paterson hands out awards with Col. Brian K. Balfe at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan. Paterson presented the awards to Soldiers of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during his visit to the New York-based unit. Photo by Spc. Luke Austion

CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, Afghanistan -- New York Gov. David Paterson, visited deployed New York National Guard troops from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team today.

During his visit, Paterson assisted 27th IBCT Commander, Col. Brian K. Balfe, present awards, including a Purple Heart, and several Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, and Army Commendation and Achievement Medals to Soldiers of the 27th IBCT. Paterson also presented some Soldiers with their United States citizenship for service to their country.

Also here as part of the delegation to visit and show their support for the troops were Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.), Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Rep. Ed Whitefield (R-Ky.). The New York Guardsmen are preparing to return home after a successful deployment as members of Combined Joint Task Force VII. The Guardsmen were responsible for training and mentoring Afghan national security forces of the Afghan national army and Afghan national police.

“I just want to thank... all the Troops. Some got awards today and some got their citizenship,” Paterson said. “We miss them in the states.”

Soldiers Patterson presented with citizenship for service were Spc. Marcin Pawezka and Spc. Alfredo Alvarado, both of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.