Niskayuna resident Greg Hafensteiner promoted to sergeant first class in the New York Army National Guard
Latham, New York (12/01/2023) — Niskayuna resident Gregory Hafensteiner was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class in the New York Army National Guard during a Dec. 1, 2023, ceremony at New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham.
Hafensteiner, who currently serves as the enlisted aid to the Major General Michele Natali, the New York National Guard's Assistant Adjutant General, Army, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1996 to 2001.
He enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2016 and since 2018 he has served as a full-time National Guard Soldier.
Natali, who presided over Hafensteiner's promotion ceremony, praised him as "a great teammate" on the New York National Guard's command team.
Hafensteiner thanked his family for their support of his military career over the years.
Hafensteiner has served as a unit administrator, an all-source intelligence analyst, a human resources non-commissioned officer, and a human resources systems non-commissioned officer in the Army National Guard.
In the Marine Corps he served as an electronic counter measures technician.
In 2020 he deployed to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as an intelligence analyst with the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division. The division served as the headquarters for the 10,000-member Task Force Spartan Shield, the term for Army forces deployed to the Middle East.
Hafensteiner is the graduate of a number of military leadership and technical schools.
He has received the Army Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal multiple times, and also holds the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Sea Service Medal.
Hafensteiner was eligible for promotion in October but delayed the ceremony while waiting for Natali to return from a duty assignment with the Canadian Department of National Defence in Ottawa, Canada.
Media Attachments
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Hafensteiner, and his wife Lindsey, pose for a photograph following his promotion ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham. (U.S. Army Photo by Major Jean Kratzer)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- New York Army National Guard is tops in nation for recruiting in 2025
- Christmas Eve road march steps off in Glens Falls Wednesday to honor deployed troops
- Seaford New York Resident Robert Savio Retires from the New York Air National Guard After 40 Years of Military Service
- Army Guard Lt. Col. Gary Barney, a Fairport resident, is named executive officer of New York City National Guard unit
- Rotterdam resident promoted to master sergeant in New York Army National Guard
- NY National Guard Airmen, Soldiers honor vets at Wreaths Across America event
- NY Army Guard Lt. Col. Joseph Moeller, a Corinth resident and Afghan War veteran, takes command of 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment
- NY Air Guard's Eastern Air Defense Sector Supports NORAD's annual Santa Tracking Operation on Christmas Eve
- Dave Ressler, a Clifton Park National Guard Soldier and Afghan War veteran, promoted to sergeant major
- NY National Guard members who responded to 9/11 attacks are eligible to file notice of potential claim for disability benefits