West Valley resident, promoted to one-star general during August 15th ceremony at NY National Guard Buffalo Connecticut Street Armory

Buffalo, NY (08/13/2026) — New York Army National Guard Colonel Bradley Frank, a West Valley resident and Iraq War veteran, will be promoted to the one-star general rank of brigadier general during a ceremony Saturday, August 15, at the Connecticut Street Armory, in Buffalo, New York.

Frank served as the commander of the 4,000-member 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He will now serve as the deputy commander for support for the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division.

Members of the press are invited to cover the promotion ceremony.

WHO: Col. Bradley Frank; Major General Jack James, the Division Commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, the presiding officer; and men and women of the New York National Guard.

WHAT: Promotion of Frank from colonel to brigadier general (one-star) during a ceremony at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters. As a general officer in the New York National Guard, Frank's promotion had to be approved at the state level by the New York State Senate and by the U.S. Senate at the federal level.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026

WHERE: Buffalo Connecticut Street Armory, 184 Connecticut Street, Buffalo, NY 14213

Coverage Opportunities:

Members of the press can interview Frank. Video and still imagery opportunities include the promotion ceremony and the troops in formation.

Members of the press must call Maj. Rolando Sierra, at 917-769-0644, for access to this secure military facility.

BACKGROUND:

Col. Bradley Frank:

Colonel Brad Frank received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. After graduating from the Armor Officer Basic Course, he served as a Tank Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, Tank Company Executive Officer, and Assistant S3 with the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment. During this time, he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Upon completion of his active-duty obligation, Frank joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an assistant operations officer for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Division. Later, he transferred to the New York Army National Guard and assumed Command of Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

As a major, he held several positions on the Army Staff within operations. After completing two years at the Pentagon, he returned to New York and was assigned as the Assistant operations officer, 153rd Troop Command. In April 2017, he volunteered to join the newly formed Main Command Post Operational Detachment of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) as a Liaison Officer and was mobilized in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

While deployed, Frank served as the Deputy Director, Security Sector Reform Group at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. In this role, he was responsible for reforming Iraq's security sector by fostering relationships within the Government of Iraq and numerous international partners, including NATO and the United Nations.

Following his most recent deployment to Iraq, Frank was selected to command the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry within the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. During his command, the squadron was first mobilized to support New York State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and then mobilized to provide additional security within the National Capital Region following the events of January 2021.

Following his tour as squadron commander, Frank was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff - Operations (G-3) of the 42d Infantry Division. During his tenure as G-3, the division supported New York State's largest series of mobilizations since World War II, while also executing two Division War Fighter Exercises.

Frank was most recently assigned as the commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42d Infantry Division. As commander, he led joint collective training events on four continents and led the brigade's largest State Active-Duty mission as Task Force Orion.

He is a graduate of the Cavalry Leaders Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the Defense Strategy Course. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Point, a Master of Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

His awards and decorations include; the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Army Staff Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

In his civilian career, Frank is a program manager for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority located at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Frank currently resides in West Valley, New York, with his wife Krista and their three sons, Henry (18), Jacob (12), and Isaac (6).

42nd Infantry Division:

Frank will serve as the assistant division commander for support for the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division.

The 42nd Infantry Division consists of 5,400 Soldiers in the New York Army National Guard and 10,000 Soldiers from other state National Guards. The division is one of eight divisions in the Army National Guard.

The deputy division commander for support is responsible for day-to-day logistics operations when the division is deployed. The other deputy commander oversees operational and maneuver issues. Both report to Major General Jack James, the division's commander.

The 42nd Infantry Division traces its history back to World War I. The division liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp in World War II and in 2004-2005 the division commanded 20,000 troops in Iraq.

The division headquarters completed a ten-month deployment to the Middle East in 2025-2026 in which it served as the command element for 10,000 Army troops operating in the Middle East. The division headquarters also served during Operation Epic Fury, the conflict with Iran.

Media Attachments