NY Army National Guard Spec. Jezen Elie, a Rochester resident, meets top NY National Guard leader in Ukraine
Latham, NY (03/14/2018) — Yavoriv, Ukraine - New York Army National Specialist Jezen Elie, a Rochester resident, who is currently serving at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center was visit at her place of duty by Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, during a March 9 visit.
Elie who is assigned to Headquarters Troop of the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, is one of 220 members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who are working with NATO allied units assigned to the Joint Multinational Training Group- Ukraine--to train the Ukrainian Army.
Since arriving in Ukraine early November 2017, the Soldiers assigned to the JMTG-U have been mentoring Ukrainian Army units as they strive toward their goal of obtaining interoperability with members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
"It was great to visit our New York Guard Soldiers working with the Ukrainian Army," German said. "From the leaders on down, our men and women are making a difference."
"I am incredibly proud of the way our Army Guard troops are working with allies from across NATO on this important mission," German added.
German was accompanied on his visit by Maj. Gen. Steven Ferrari, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, the 27th brigades higher headquarters; Col. Christopher Cronin, the 27th brigade commander; Command Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, the New York National Guard's senior enlisted leader ; and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony McLean, the 27th brigade's senior enlisted Soldier.
During the visit both German and Ferrari toured the training center and met with military leaders from allied and partner nations assigned to the Combat Training Center.
Currently Canadian, Denmark, Lithuanian, Polish, and the United Kingdom military personnel are stationed at the Yavoriv training center where they are engaged in a multi-national effort to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces in improving their capacity to defend Ukraine's sovereignty.
While at the training center, German and Ferrari spent time eating lunch with U.S. Soldiers and presented challenge coins to outstanding Soldiers in recognition of their hard work.
The generals also were able to observe Ukrainian Army units training in the field and tour the newly constructed simulation center. Finished last fall, the simulation center allows Soldiers to conduct computer-based tactical training from the individual Soldier level up to and including the brigade-staff level.
Currently a stand alone facility, there are plans to link it with similar centers across Europe to expand the scale and scope of the training conducted. The New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the training group remain of the most easterly deployed U.S. Army units. The 220 Soldiers in Ukraine are slated to return home late this summer.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Spec. Jezen Elile, left, a Rochester resident, and Spec. Kristin Sells, an Astoria resident, left, speaks with Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, during his visit to the Yavoriv Combat Training Center in Ukraine on March 9, 2018. Sells is one of 220 members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who is assisting in training the Ukrainian Army at the center. ( U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alexander Rector)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Annual Report for 2024 is now available on line.
- 17-year-old student from Arlington High School takes part in Army Birthday ceremony on June 13 at NY National Guard headquarters
- NY National Guard headquarters marks Army's 250th Birthday with a birthday cake cutting ceremony
- NY Naval Militia hosts Swedish marine and naval officers studying maritime security in New York Harbor and Niagara River
- Riverhead resident Timothy Daniel Malloy promoted to chief master sergeant in the New York Air National Guard
- NY Air Guard Lt. Col. Marty Viera, a Rocky Point resident, takes command of 106th Rescue Wing's 103rd Rescue Squadron
- New York Air Guard Lt. Col. Mark Wilborn, a Miami resident, retires after 31 years of service
- Col. Steven Slosek, a Galway resident, takes command of New York Air Guard's109th Airlift Wing
- Shawn Tabankin, a Clifton Park resident, is promoted to colonel in the New York Army National Guard
- Port Jefferson resident takes command of 106th Rescue Wing's communications squadron