Schroon Lake resident Andrew Valenza promoted to sergeant first class in New York Army National Guard
Latham, New York (05/28/2026) — Schroon Lake resident Andrew Valenza was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class in the New York Army National Guard during a May 21 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.
Valenza who recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East with the 42nd Infantry Division serves as a public affairs non-commissioned officer for the New York National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters.
Valenza is a graduate of Saratoga Central Catholic High School and has a bachelor's degree in arts management from SUNY Purchase.
He enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2015 as a combat cameraman when he turned 19. In 2022 he reclassified as a public affairs mass communications non-commissioned officer.
He deployed to the Middle East in 2020 with the 42nd Infantry Division headquarters and again in 2025. During his first deployment he served alongside his father -Sgt. 1st Class William Valenza-and his mother-Major Julie Valenza.
Valenza's brother Mitchell, and sister Camille, also serve in the military. His father served as the Glens Falls police chief from 2011 to 2015.
Valenza is also serving as the social media manager for the New York Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
He is married to Lexi Dezalia.
Media Attachments
Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Valenza, a Schroon Lake resident, and his wife Lexi Dezalia pose for a photograph following his promotion on May 20, 2026. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Stephanie Butler)
New York National Guard
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