LATHAM, NY - 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.

Col. Maureen Murphy, a resident of Saratoga Springs, New York, took command of the 109th Mission Support Group at the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing during a ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base on Feb. 4. As the Mission Support Group commander, Murphy will lead over 390 military and civilian personnel in support of the employment of the only ski-equipped aircraft in the Department of Defense providing tactical airlift in remote Polar Regions, and ensure

Croton-on-Hudson resident Maria Viana, a veteran of the Iraq War, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant major in the New York Army National Guard. Sergeant major is the highest Army enlisted rank. Viana, who joined the Army in October of 1997, currently serves as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of logistics for the New York Army National Guard's 53rd Troop Command. The 53rd Troop Command oversees the activities of 4,200 National Guard Soldiers based across New Yor

New York Army National Guard Specialist Donnell Spikes Jr., a Staten Island, N.Y. resident, received a promotion to the rank of specialist here on January 26, 2017. He is currently deployed to the Middle East and serves in the support operations section of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, nicknamed "the Harlem Hell Fighters."

New York Army National Guard Specialist Geraldine Francis, a Newkirk, Brooklyn resident, received a promotion to the rank of corporal here on January 26, 2017. She is currently deployed to the Middle East and serves in the human resources section of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, nicknamed "the Harlem Hell Fighters."

New York Army National Guard Specialist Juan Alonzo, a Newkirk, University Heights, Bronx resident, received a promotion to the rank of corporal here on January 26, 2017. He is currently deployed to the Middle East and serves as a chaplain's assistant in the 369th Special Troops Battalion of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, nicknamed "the Harlem Hell Fighters."

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.

New York Army National Guard Specialist Kyle Beckley, a Milford resident and Sunnyside native, received a promotion to the rank of corporal in here on January 26, 2017. Beckley joined the New York National Guard in 2014 and is currently deployed to the Middle East as the brigade security manager for the 369th Sustainment Brigade, known as the Harlem Hell Fighters.