NY Naval Militia Corporal Malik Duff, a Roosevelt resident, receives NY State Military Commendation Medal

Latham, NY (06/26/2018) — New York Naval Militia Corporal Malik Duff, a Roosevelt resident, has been awarded the New York State Military Commendation Medal in recognition of his service in the New York naval Militia.

Duff was honored for his service from May to June 2017 while he served on the Naval Militia team which was responding to flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline.He organized transportation for Naval Militia members serving on the team and helped to supervise the building of sandbag walls.

The New York Naval Militia is composed of current Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserve members who agree to serve on state active duty when called by the state of New York. They put the skills they've honed in federal military service to work for New York.

A small number of Naval Militia personnel are retired military members.

Naval Militia members responded to Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Buffalo snowstorm in 2014, Lake Ontario flooding in 2017 and snow storms in the Hudson Valley earlier this year.

The Naval Militia also operates a fleet of nine patrol boats which respond to state emergencies, augment law enforcement agencies and support the U.S. Coast Guard.

The New York State Medal Military Commendaiton Medal is awarded to members of the New York National Guard, the New York Naval Militia or the New York Guard who who distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement or service.

Duff's "outstanding achievements and exceptional performance of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service," his cituation says.

The medal was presented to Duffduring a June 22 ceremony prior to a change of command ceremony in which responsibility for the New York Naval Militia passed from Naval Militia Rear Admiral Ten Eyck Powell to Rear Admiral Timothy Zakriski.

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