New York National Guard

Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry and the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team send holikday greetings to hometown communities from the Yavoriv Combat Training Center as members of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. The troops are assisting in the training of Ukrainian Soldiers there.

New York Army National Guard member Lucian McCarty, a Schuylerville resident, was promoted to staff sergeant during a ceremony held at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. on December 21. McCarty joined the National Guard in 2013 as a motor transport operator and was assigned to the 427th Brigade Support Battalion. In 2015, McCarty became a full-time National Guard Soldier and currently serves as the aide to the Director of the Joint Staff at the New York National Guard headquarters. McCarty previously worked as a newspaper reporter for eight years, writing for various newspapers in New Hampshire, Maine and New York, and most recently at The Saratogian in Saratoga Springs. McCarty resides in Schuylerville, N.Y. with his wife Amanda, son Atticus and his two daughters Ada and Mira.

New York Army National Guard Lt. Col Robert Romano, an Afghanistan veteran with more than 34 years of service, received his promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel in a ceremony December 9, 2017 at the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters in Troy, N.Y. Romano currently serves as the Staff Civil Affairs officer for the 42nd Infantry Division. In 1983, Romano began his military service entering the US Air Force and attending Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, T.X. He held various positions during his active duty tenure to include tactical fire team leader, weapons instructor and a flight security controller. In 1996, Romano transferred to the New York Army National Guard where he completed infantry school and assumed the role of platoon sergeant. Attending the reserve component Officer Candidate School program, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in July 2000. He completed the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, Fort Huachuca, A.Z. in 2002. In 2008, he deployed to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade, serving as the Deputy Intelligence Officer and conducted numerous missions throughout the Kabul area. In 2010, he attended the Civil Affairs Branch qualification course, Fort Bragg, N.C. as one of first five National Guard Officers authorized to attend the course. Deploying again in January 2012, he was assigned to the US 3rd Army, serving in Kuwait as the Director of Host Nation Affairs. He conducted operations as a liaison to multiple foreign governments with an international staff of military members and civilians. His awards and decorations include; Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Service Medal, NCO Professional Development, Air Reserve Meritorious Service Ribbon, Global War On Terror Expeditionary Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Air Force Security Forces Master Badge, Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Master Badge, and the French Afghanistan Meritorious Service Medal His wife is an Air Force Master Sgt., assigned to the 105th Airlift Group, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburg N.Y. He has one child, Michelle, who is attending Scranton University, enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Program.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Peter Harper , a Appleton resident, was one of three Soldiers who received an award for aiding a distressed Ukrainian civilian in the city of Lviv earlier this month. Harper is one of 220 New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assigned to the Joint Multinational Training Group in Ukraine. He received an Army Commendation Medal during a ceremony on December 16 in Yavoriv, Ukraine. Harper belongs to the 2nd Battalion 101st Cavalry, which is headquartered at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to Soldiers who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary achievement or significant meritorious service. During a trip to Lviv, the Soldiers came across a man unconscious in the street. Harper and the other two Soldiers quickly assessed the situation and took action, administered CPR to the incapacitated man and kept back the gathering crowd of onlookers. The three Soldiers continued to render aid until an ambulance crew arrived on scene and took over the patient's care. Col. Dennis Deeley, the training group commander, presented the awards during a ceremony at Ukraine's Yavoriv Combat Training Center. The Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Deeley's training team are responsible for assisting in the training of Ukrainian Army troops at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center. The Soldiers mobilized in October and took over the mission from an Oklahoma Army National Guard team on Nov. 22.

Rude is one of 220 New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assigned to the Joint Multinational Training Group in Ukraine. He received an Army Commendation Medal during a ceremony on December 16 in Yavoriv, Ukraine. Rude belongs to the 2nd Battalion 101st Cavalry, which is headquartered at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to Soldiers who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary achievement or significant meritorious service. During a trip to Lviv, the Soldiers came across a man unconscious in the street. Rude and the other two Soldiers quickly assessed the situation and took action, administered CPR to the incapacitated man and kept back the gathering crowd of onlookers. The three Soldiers continued to render aid until an ambulance crew arrived on scene and took over the patient's care. Col. Dennis Deeley, the training group commander, presented the awards during a ceremony at Ukraine's Yavoriv Combat Training Center. The Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Deeley's training team are responsible for assisting in the training of Ukrainian Army troops at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center. The Soldiers mobilized in October and took over the mission from an Oklahoma Army National Guard team on Nov. 22.

New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Brandon Hall, a Lewiston resident, was one of three Soldiers who received an award for aiding a distressed Ukrainian civilian in the city of Lviv earlier this month. Hall is one of 220 New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team assigned to the Joint Multinational Training Group in Ukraine. He received an Army Commendation Medal during a ceremony on December 16 in Yavoriv, Ukraine. Hall belongs to the 2nd Battalion 101st Cavalry, which is headquartered at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to Soldiers who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary achievement or significant meritorious service. During a trip to Lviv, the Soldiers came across a man unconscious in the street. Hall and the other two Soldiers quickly assessed the situation and took action, administered CPR to the incapacitated man and kept back the gathering crowd of onlookers. The three Soldiers continued to render aid until an ambulance crew arrived on scene and took over the patient's care. Col. Dennis Deeley, the training group commander, presented the awards during a ceremony at Ukraine's Yavoriv Combat Training Center. The Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Deeley's training team are responsible for assisting in the training of Ukrainian Army troops at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center. The Soldiers mobilized in October and took over the mission from an Oklahoma Army National Guard team on Nov. 22.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces recent awards and individual recognitions for members of the New York Guard state defense force for their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of New York State's Military Forces.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation. The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony. The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The New York Army National Guard welcomed 82 new Soldiers to their units during the October 22 ceremonies around the state.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

New York Army National Guard Col. Isabel Rivera Smith, a graduate of Lorain's Admiral King High School, has been recognized by Latina Style Magazine. Smith was presented with the 2017 Latina Style Distinguished Military Service Award during a September 15, ceremony in Washington, D.C. Smith, a veteran of 32 years in the Army and the Army National Guard, is the Chief of Staff for the 4,100-member 53rd Troop Command, one of the New York Army National Guard's two major commands. As Chief of Staff, Smith is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the command, which has units across the state. Smith, a resident of Goshen, N.Y., said she was surprised when she found out she was being given the award. "It's an honor to receive this award and this recognition proves how important diversity is in the military," said Smith. Smith is currently serving in Puerto Rico as part of the National Guard's efforts to help the island recover from Hurricane Maria.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation. The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony. The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The New York Army National Guard welcomed 60 new Soldiers to their units during the September 9 ceremonies around the state.

New York Army National Guard Maj. Todd Balog, a Saratoga Springs resident and Afghanistan veteran will take command of the 369th Special Troops Battalion, on Sunday, October 22 at the Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. Balog earned his commission as a second lieutenant from Michigan State University Army ROTC program in August 2001 and served as an Armor Officer for the Active Duty Army for six years. In 2007 Balog joined the New York Army National Guard and currently serves full time as part of the Joint Staff in the New York National Guard Headquarters. He is currently the Force Development Officer, for the Joint Training & Exercises Division. In 2012, Major Balog deployed to Afghanistan for a combat tour with the Headquarters Company, 427th Brigade Support Battalion as a Base Closure Team Leader in Regional Command East. In February 2013, upon return from Afghanistan, Major Balog served as the 42d Infantry Division Headquarters Battalion Executive Officer in Troy and then was assigned to the Joint Staff in the New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham. Balog holds a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Balog is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, Scout Leader Course, Adjutant General Captains Career Course and Command & General Staff Officers Courses. Balog's awards and decorations include; the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Serve Medal, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Parachutist Badge and the US Cavalry Spur Holder. Balog is married to his wife Amy and they have two sons named Hyrum and Aiden.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces recent awards and individual recognitions for members of the New York Guard state defense force for their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of New York State's Military Forces.

New York Air National Guard Colonel Stephen J. Maher, a Slingerlands resident, has retired from the military after serving over 30 years of service during a retirement ceremony held at the Joint Forces Headquarters, New York Air National Guard (ANG) in Latham, New York, October 14. Maher began his military career in 1987 as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. During his time with the navy, he deployed throughout the Middle East in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Following his naval service, he joined the New York State Air National Guard in 1996 where he most recently served as the Staff Judge Advocate for the New York State Air National Guard. As the Staff Judge Advocate, Maher was the senior legal advisor to The Adjutant General of New York and the ANG commanders of the five wings and the Eastern Air Defense Sector. He is a 1979 graduate of Holland Patent Central High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983 from Hobart College in Geneva, New York. Maher went on to earn his law degree from Albany Law School and his master's degree from the University of Rhode Island. From 1987 until 1996, Maher served with the United States Navy in various roles including Defense Council, Trail Counsel, and Staff Judge Advocate. Upon entering the New York Air National Guard in 1996, he served as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate while assigned to 109th Airlift Wing, Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady. Throughout the remainder of his Air National Guard career, Maher provided legal advice and support while serving as the Air Operations Judge Advocate at Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions Prosecution Team at the Pentagon, Staff Judge Advocate at New York's Joint Force Headquarters, Air National Guard Assistant Judge Advocate at Tyndall AFB, and the Air National Guard Assistant Judge Advocate at Lackland AFB. During his service with the ANG, he deployed in support Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Deep Freeze. His military awards and decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 3 "M" Devices, Navy Pistol Shot Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kuwait Liberation Government of Kuwait Medal. In his civilian life, Maher is Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Investigations with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations where he oversees 200 investigators in statewide criminal and administrative cases involving narcotics, sex crimes, criminal intelligence, threats, fugitive apprehensions, internal affairs, and a variety of other areas in a system serving more than 120,000 people. He was formerly a deputy bureau chief with the New York Attorney General's Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau. Maher is also an adjunct professor at Utica College where he teaches in the cyber-security graduate program. Maher is the son of New Hartford resident James Maher and the late Sandra Maher. He has three children Jimmy, Nate and Libby.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

New York Army National Guard Soldier, AshLee Coye, has been promoted to major. Coye is a Ravena native but currently residing in Latham, N.Y. Coye, was promoted during a Tuesday, September 12 ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters. She is the full-time federal technician for the New York Army National Guard, responsible for personnel services and mobilizations. Coye enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in August 2003 where she served as an air transportation journeyman in Westover,

Oswego resident Matthew Liepke, MD has been promoted to Colonel in the New York Army National Guard. Liepke, was promoted during a Friday, September 15 ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters. Liepke a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan War, is the New York Army National Guard State Surgeon, the highest ranking Army medical officer in the state. Liepke served as an enlisted member in the Army Reserves from 1992 until 2005. He then joined the New York Army National Guard, where he was assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade as the Battalion Surgeon. Liepke deployed to Iraq in 2007 with the 27th Infantry Brigade and then in 2011 to Afghanistan with the 402nd Military Police Battalion. Liepke holds 2 Bachelor of Science Degrees from Clarkson University in Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene/ Environmental Toxicology and graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University with a Doctor of Medicine in 2000. He is board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics. Liepke's awards include: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, NATO-ISAF Medal for Afghanistan and the Meritorious Unit Citation. Liepke and his wife Christina have two children, Matthew and Samuel.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation. The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony. The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The New York Army National Guard welcomed 45 new Soldiers to their units during the August 13 ceremonies around the state.

New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna resident and Iraq veteran took command of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Regiment, on Saturday, September 9 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Lt. Col. Jason Lefton earned his commission in June 1996 from Marion Military Institute and joined the New York Army National Guard in August 1996. He served as a Field Artillery officer from 1996 until 2000 when he became an Army Aviator. Lefton trained as a UH-60 pilot and joined the 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation. Lefton is also qualified as a UH-1 and CH-47 pilot. He has served as an Aviation detachment commander, a battalion personnel officer, intelligence officer, and Battalion executive officer. Lefton deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 with the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation and deployed to Kuwait in 2013-2014 with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. In 2001 he deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in support of NATO Stabilization Force. Lefton holds a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Albany and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Officer Course, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Advance Operations and Warfighting Course. Lefton's awards include: the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Air Assault badge, two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the NATO Medal. Lefton is a full time National Guard officer. He also has civilian work experience as a fully registered representative in the financial services industry. He holds a Commercial Helicopter Pilot license and Single Engine Airplane license. Lefton is married to the former Heather Zimmerman and lives in Niskayuna, NY. They have two sons named Mack Levi Lefton and Seth Gage Lefton.

The New York Army National Guard commissioned its newest officers August 19, 2017 following their successful completion of Officer Candidate School. Four newly commissioned second lieutenants of the New York Army National Guard and their families received their oath of commissioning and officer's rank, led by New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michel Natali, commander of the 53rd Troop Command.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

East Greenbush resident Sean Fredericks, has been promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Four in the New York Army National Guard. Fredericks, was promoted during a Wednesday, August 23 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.