CONTACT: Lt. Col. Paul Fanning (518) 786-4581

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007

WHO:

Approximately 40 members of the New York Army National Guard’s 27th BCT from Syracuse and Greater Central New York.

WHAT:

Forty members of the Syracuse-based 27th Brigade Combat Team (BCT), New York Army National Guard will participate in a special Oath of Service Ceremony at the NYS Fair Veterans Memorial as part of this year’s Veteran’s Day Program at the Fair. PARTICIPATING SOLDIERS ARE SCHEDULED FOR DEPLOYMENT TO AFGHANISTAN IN 2008 AS PART OF THE 27TH MISSION WITH COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE PHOENIX VII. The Adjutant General of New York, Major General Joseph J. Taluto along with other National Guard officials will be participating in the formal Veterans Day Program. Col. Gary Yaple, Deputy Commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will lead the oath ceremony at the end of his brief remarks in the program.

WHEN:

Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and the Soldiers’ oath affirmation will run about 11:30, Thursday, August 30, 2007.

WHERE:

New York State Fair Veterans Memorial, in front of the Horticulture Building, Fairgrounds, Syracuse.

As part of this year’s formal program for Veterans Day at the New York State Fair, forty deploying members of the New York Army National Guard will re-affirm their service oath in a public ceremony in front of members of their families, veterans, dignitaries, local officials and fair visitors. During the ceremony, the Eagle Association plans to present a check for $1,000 to members of the unit’s Family Readiness Group. Members of the Guard Family Program Office will staff an information table on Family Readiness and Support following the program. Troops and family members will be available for interviews following the ceremony. For additional information, contact the DMNA public affairs office at (518) 786-4581.