NY Army National Guard recognizes new Command Chief Warrant OfficerToday, Feb. 28

LATHAM, NY (02/28/2018) (readMedia)-- The New York Army National Guard's new Command Chief Warrant Officer will be recognized in a formal ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, Feb 28 at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters here.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jacqueline O'Keefe, a Bern resident will replace Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeffrey Schirmer, a Rochester resident, as the Command Chief Warrant Officer. Schirmer, who has served as Command Chief Warrant Officer since 2016, is retiring after more than 36 years in the military.

Warrant Officers are technical experts who fall between sergeants and commissioned officers in the Army's command structure. The Command Chief Warrant Officer is responsible to the commander for issues involving warrant officer recruitment and training.

WHO: New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officers Jeffrey Schirmer and Jacqueline "Jackie" O'Keefe and Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York.

WHAT: Change of responsibility ceremony in which O'Keefe assumes the responsibility for overseeing the New York Army National Guard's warrant officer program from Schirmer. Schirmer will transfer a ceremonial saber to German, who will then pass the saber to O'Keefe, signifying the change in responsibility for the New York Army National Guard warrant officer program.

WHEN: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018

WHERE: Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham.

Coverage Opportunities:

Interviews with the principles and video and still imagery of the traditional passing of an Army saber to indicate the change of responsibility, as well as video of Soldiers and Airmen in formation.

For access to this secure military facility members of the media must contact the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs Office at 518-786-4581.