James Valk, a Kinderhook resident was promoted to Warrant Officer in the New York Army National Guard

Latham, NY (03/13/2024) — James Valk, a Kinderhook resident, was promoted to Warrant Officer in the New York Army National Guard during a March 8, 2024, promotion ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

Army National Guard Lt. Col. David Berge, New York Army National Guard Staff Judge Advocate, presided over the ceremony and praised Valk during his remark.

"He has been a great asset to our legal team for years, and we appreciate all his hard work and knowledge he has as a part of our team."

In his comments, Valk thanked his co-workers and family for their support over the years.

Valk has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2011. He was assigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade as a paralegal non-commissioned officer. In 2015, he was assigned to the 42d Infantry Division as the chief paralegal. In July 2022, he was assigned to Joint Force Headquarters-New York, where he serves as the chief paralegal for the New York Army National Guard.

Valk deployed to Kuwait in in 2013 and 2014 as the paralegal non-for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

He deployed again in 2020, and served as the command paralegal at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Additionally, Valk was appointed as the chief paralegal during the deployment, making him the most senior paralegal in the area of operation, where he was the technical supervisor to 55 paralegals.

He is a graduate of the Army National Guard Battalion Career Counselor Course, Basic Leader Course, Paralegal Specialist Advanced Leader Course, Paralegal Specialist Senior Leader Course, Law for Paralegal Course, Command/Chief Paralegal Course, and Warrant Officer Candidate School.

His awards and medals include the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Valk grew up in Saugerties, NY. He graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with an associate degree in criminal justice in 2008 and later from SUNY Brockport with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2010.

Valk and his wife Elizabeth live in Kinderhook, NY, with their two children, Charly and Emmie.

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