NY Naval Militia Mineman Second Class Raymond Arocho, a Fishkill resident, receives NY State Military Commendation Medal
Latham, NY (06/26/2018) — New York Naval Militia Minemand Second Class Raymond Arocho, a Fishkill resident, has been awarded the New York State Military Commendation Medal in recognition of his service in the New York naval Militia.
Arocho 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. As an assistant squad leader on the ground, he helped organize 29 Naval Militia volunteers.
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.
Arocho instructed new members to the detail on the proper procedures for building a sandbag wall and played a key role in coordinating the movement of personnel assigned to the mission.
"His 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 Arocho during 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.
Media Attachments
New York Naval Militia, Rear Admiral Ten Eyck Powell(left) presents Minuteman Second Class Raymond Arocho(right) with the NYS Military Commendation Medal, in Latham, N.Y., June 22, 2018. Arocho and others received the award during a ceremony prior to a Naval Militia Change of Command. (New York Army National Guard photo by Spc. Andrew Valenza)
New York National Guard
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