Lebanon, NH Soldier Receives Officer's Commission with NY Army National Guard

Lunzer to serve as a Finance officer in New York City

OLD BETHPAGE, N.Y. (08/15/2023) — The New York Army National Guard commissioned its seven new officers August 13, 2023 at the Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage, N.Y., following their successful completion of the New York and Connecticut National Guard Army Officer Candidate School.

The newly commissioned second lieutenants took their oath of commissioning and received their officer's rank during a ceremony led by New York Army National Guard Col. Patrick Claire, the Director of Logistics for the Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Latham, N.Y.

Officer Candidate School is a three-phase training course that lasts approximately 15 months to prepare officer candidates for the challenges and opportunities to lead Soldiers in the New York Army National Guard.

New York's newest leaders include:

Eric Lunzer from Lebanon, N.H., received an officer's commission as a second lieutenant in the Finance branch and will go on to serve with the 37th Finance Detachment in Whitestone, Queens, New York. Lunzer received their new rank insignia during the pinning ceremony from his mother, Susan.

Lunzer is a former NCO with 10 years of military experience, achieving the rank of sergeant, with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and now the New York Army National Guard. Second Lieutenant Lunzer will receive his first salute at a future date from his brother, Michael Lunzer, who served as a sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces.

"Candidates, today you come to the end of what I'm sure to prove to have been one of the most challenging, rewarding chapters your life," Clare said. "And there are so many people who helped you make it to this day, to the families and loved ones here."

"Thank you for the incredible care and support you've given your leaders," Clare said to the families present at the ceremony. "I know you feel an immense sense of pride looking at your graduates," he said.

Training began for this year's class in the spring of 2022 held both at Camp Smith, New York and Camp Niantic, Connecticut. Skills included physical fitness training, land navigation, road marches, warrior tasks and the fundamentals of leadership.

Candidates then continued into an 11-month phase two of regular drill training to provide a foundation of Army leadership, military ethics, military justice, communication skills, military history and tactics.

Clare, himself a graduate of the very same Officer Candidate School from 2000, highlighted the importance of the continuity of leadership for the next generation of Soldiers.

"You stand on the broad shoulders of generations of Americans who have worn the uniform, including many barrier breakers and trailblazers," Clare said. "In fact, this year we celebrate the 75th year of the integration of women in the military. Our military strongest when is fully reflects the people of America."

The Officer Candidate School is administered by the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 106th Regional Training Institute and Camp Smith, New York, in conjunction with the Connecticut Army National Guard.

"What the Army wants out of you, what the Army expects out of you, especially now that you have been gold bars on your shoulders, his leadership," said Col. Jeffrey Csoka, the commander of the regiment.

The final phase encompassed a two-week training session where candidates were evaluated in their leadership skills while conducting tactics in a field environment.

"You all have an amazing future in front of you. One full of promise, and I'm very proud of every single one of you," Csoka said.

Additional imagery can be found here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/451402/ny-national-guard-commissions-newest-leaders.

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