Lt. Col. Dage McNitt, a Ballston Lake resident, retires after 38 years of service in the Army National Guard

Latham, NY (04/21/2026) — A Ballston Lake resident who served for 38 years in the Army National Guard, was recognized during a retirement ceremony on April 21, 2026, at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

Lt. Col. Dage McNitt, who was commissioned through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program in 1988, was awarded his fifth Meritorious Service Medal, as well as the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, during the ceremony.

McNitt, who is a veteran of the Iraq War, ended his military career as the Selective Service Officer for New York and the commander of the Selective Service Detachment Staff element at New York National Guard headquarters.

Major General Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general, Army, praised McNitt as an outstanding officer.

During the 42nd Infantry Division's deployment to Iraq, McNitt served as the deputy to the division chief of staff, Natali said. This was a very high-pressure job and McNitt was "unflappable" throughout.

"I know that you are a true professional, and I want to thank you and your family for your service," Natali said.

In his remarks, McNitt, thanked those present at the ceremony who had served with him, and thanked his wife Nancy and his sons Sydney and Eric for their support over the years.

The day was " kind of bittersweet," McNitt said. "Knowing that today is the last day that I would wear this uniform, this kind of signifies the end of being part of something that is bigger than me."

McNitt began his service as a tank platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 210th Armor and went on to command a tank company in the Vermont National Guard.

He served in the 42nd Infantry Division as an intelligence officer, a logistics officer, and current operations officer, as well as the secretary to the general staff and deputy to the chief of staff.

McNitt also served as the deputy commander of the New York National Guard recruiting and retention battalion, collective training manager for the New York Army National Guard.

In his civilian capacity, McNitt works for the United States Property and Finance Office which is responsible for dispersing federal money to the National Guard.

McNitt holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Albany.

His awards include the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, and the National Defense Service Medal.

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