New York National Guard

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Christopher VanDemortel, an Afghanistan war veteran serving in the New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing received a promotion to the rank of chief master sergeant during a March 4, 2023 ceremony held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse. VanDemortel serves in the 152 Air Operations Group as the senior advisor to the commander, Air National Guard Col. Kevin St. John, who presented VanDemortel with his new rank. As Group Chief for the 152 Air Operation Group, VanDemortel provides guidance and support for all issues related to enlisted Airmen. He advises the commander on professional development, training, health and morale of Airmen. "I never thought I would reach the rank of chief master sergeant," VanDemortel said, "but I hope to set the example and be a mentor for younger Airmen. My main focus will be on the enlisted and I will work with them and help them become our future senior enlisted leaders." VanDemortel graduated from Newark Senior High School in Newark New York, in 1984 and then received his degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe Community College in 1986. He joined the United States Army in 1985 through a delayed enlistment program and shipped for basic training in July of 1986 after his academic studies. While on active duty he served as a Military Policeman and was stationed in Germany until November of 1989. He returned to New York and served from 1989 to 1992 in the New York Army National Guard as an anti-armor missile gunner. Following a seven-year break in service, VanDemortel joined the New York Air National Guard in 1999 as a traditional Guardsman with the 174th Attack Wing (then a fighter wing). He served in the 174th Security Forces Squadron first as a Security Forces Specialist and then First Sergeant. He moved to the 152nd Air Operations Group in 2019 and serves as the Chief of Information Protection and as such, oversees the information and industrial security programs for the 174th Attack Wing. He deployed in support of operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and completed overseas tours in the Germany, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and Columbia, South America. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, 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.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Michael T. Will, the 174th Attack Wing Command Chief, retired after 39 years of military service during a ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Feb. 4, 2023. The 174th Attack Wing Commander, Col. William J. McCrink, presided over the retirement ceremony, which included speeches, awards, and farewells. Will, a Remsen, N.Y. resident, served as the senior enlisted leader at the wing, providing guidance to the enlisted force. He advised the commander on professional development, readiness, training and the health, morale and welfare of assigned enlisted personnel and their families for six years. He graduated from Remsen Central High School in Remsen, New York in 1983. In August 1983, he joined the United States Air Force through the delayed enlistment program, and left for basic training in February 1984. His background includes service as an aircraft armament specialist, avionics specialist, aircraft crew chief, intelligence analysis specialist, and space systems operations. After serving for six years on Active Duty and being stationed in Spain, New Hampshire, and Texas, Chief Will separated from Active Duty and re-enlisted into the Air National Guard in May 1990. Will has served and deployed numerous times in support of domestic operations in the United States and contingency operations supporting efforts in the Middle East. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom as well as several squadron and group-level deployments. Prior to his service as wing command chief, Will served as the 152nd Air Operations Group Superintendent. During the ceremony, Will thanked a numerous amount of people, from past commanders who are now generals, his family, to the young airmen who are currently serving. "It's been an absolute pleasure to have been your command chief," he said. Chief Master Sgt. Sonja A. Williams took authority and is now the new Command Chief for the wing.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Sonja Williams became the first woman to serve as senior enlisted leader for the 174th Attack Wing on February 4, 2023 during a change of authority ceremony held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse. Williams, who lives in Carthage, N.Y., replaced Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Will who retired after serving as wing command chief since 2017. "I want you all to know that I understand the importance of this position and that I am here for you," Williams said. "I am here to empower you, listen to you, to continue to uphold the outstanding reputation that you all have cultivated as members of the 174th Attack Wing, she said. Williams previously served as the senior enlisted leader for the 174th Mission Support Group. She joined the New York Air National Guard in 1997 as a personnel specialist. Following her completion of technical school, Williams returned to the 174th Attack Wing, assigned to the command support staff in the 174th Logistics Readiness Squadron. After cross training in the education & training career field, Williams assumed the role of unit education & training manager for the 174th Civil Engineer Squadron. After deploying in 2011 to Kyrgyzstan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Williams was selected in 2012 to serve as the Human Resources Advisor for the wing, a post she held until 2018. In addition to serving as the senior enlisted leader for the Mission Support Group, Williams also served as the senior enlisted leader for the 174th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. For the past 20 years, Williams has also worked in education for her civilian career as a high school Spanish teacher. For two years she served as president of her local branch of the American Association for University Women. Williams is the recipient of multiple awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Hancock Field Air National Guard Base and the 174th Attack Wing said goodbye to Chief Master Sgt. Ashley A. Pace afer a 20-ytear military career during her retirement ceremony held January 7, 2023. Pace, a Rome, N.Y., resident, graduated Air Force basic training in December of 2002. After completing basic training, she went on to attend contracting technical school. Pace's very first active duty assignment was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. There she would be assigned to the 4th Contracting Squadron. From there she was stationed with the 92nd Contracting Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. In 2010, Pace joined the 88th Contracting Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. She has deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom, Joint Guardian, and Iraqi Freedom. After spending 13 years on active duty, Pace returned home to New York State and joined the 174th Attack Wing in 2016. Pace was the Base Contracting Officer for 174th Attack Wing. She was responsible for the acquisition of supplies, services, and construction necessary to support the wing and subordinate units. Pace also served as an Air National Guard Contracting Regional Chief Enlisted Manager for the Southeast region. Prior to her becoming the Base Contracting Officer for the wing, she was the Manager of Command Contracting Inspections for the Air Force Materiel Command Office of the Inspector General. During her ceremony, Pace received a Certificate of Appreciation, and was presented a plaque from the Chiefs Enlisted Council. Pace's Husband, Master Sgt. Robert Pace, also received a Certificate of Appreciation for his support as a spouse. Her mother, Mrs. Lorraine Cushman, received the Military Parent Medal.

Grafenwoehr, Germany -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. Kasim T. Coleman, a Niagara Falls resident, has completed the Army Basic Leadership Course while deployed to Germany. Kasim, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to Task Force Orion, the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team task force deployed to Europe to train Ukrainian military forces, completed the course at the 7th Army Training Command Noncommissioned Officer Academy's Basic Leaders Course in Grafenwoehr, Germany on Dec. 9, 2022. The Army Basic Leadership Course teaches Soldiers the duties and responsibilities of a Sergeant, developing skills in written and oral communications, problem-solving, leadership and counseling, drill and ceremonies, and how to build effective teams. As a result, Soldiers will be prepared to train, lead, and conduct operations at the team level. Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. While deployed, Task Force Orion Soldiers are able to take advantage of opportunities to complete courses, attend schools, and advance their careers, in addition to their regular duties. "Developing Soldiers like Kasim so they can better support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and advance their personal and professional careers is a top priority," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "I couldn't be more proud of Kasim, and know he will continue to set a great example of what it means to be in the National Guard for his fellow Soldiers on deployment, and his community at home." Military education and professional development creates opportunities for career progression, increased responsibilities, and opportunities for advancement in the Army National Guard. Citizen Soldiers who serve their state and nation in the Guard are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k). For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

Grafenwoehr, Germany -- New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Raul E. Llopis, a Livonia, N.Y., resident, played a key role in celebrating the 386th National Guard Birthday while deployed to Germany on December 13, 2022. Llopis, a 54-year-old unit supply specialist assigned to Task Force Orion, the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team element deployed to Europe to train Ukrainian military forces, was one of two Soldiers selected to cut a birthday cake during his unit's celebration. Traditionally, the oldest Guard member in a unit is joined by the youngest Guard member in cutting the cake. The older service member represented the history and traditions of the National Guard, while the youngest Soldier represented it's future. Llopis and 21-year-old Spc. Catherina Ma of Utica, N.Y. cut the cake together. Llopis has served in the National Guard for 17 years. "Serving in an organization that is 386 years old means to me that there is a lot of legacy that needs to be kept," Llopis said. "We, as Soldiers, need to represent all those values that have been alive for so long." The National Guard claims Dec. 13, 1636, as its birthday. That was the date on which the legislature of the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law organizing separate militia companies into three regiments. After New Amsterdam became the English colony of New York in 1665, a militia modeled on the system used in Massachusetts and other English colonies was put in place. Citizen Soldiers of the militia and National Guard have fought in all of America's wars from King Philips War against Native Americans in the New England Colonies in 1675 to Iraq and Afghanistan. With more than three and a half centuries of history to trace its roots back through, the National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. armed forces and one of the oldest active military organizations in the world, still in operation. Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. For more on Task Force Orion's National Guard Birthday celebration in Germany, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/435083/ny-national-guard-soldiers-deployed-germany-celebrate-national-guards-386th-birthday For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

Grafenwoehr, Germany -- New York Army National Guard Spc. Niel P. Maxwell, a Utica resident, has completed the Army Basic Leadership Course while deployed to Germany. Maxwell, an ammunition specialist assigned to Task Force Orion, part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team task force deployed to Europe to train Ukrainian military forces, completed the course at the 7th Army Training Command Noncommissioned Officer Academy's Basic Leaders Course in Grafenwoehr, Germany on Dec. 9, 2022. The Army Basic Leadership Course teaches Soldiers the duties and responsibilities of a Sergeant, developing skills in written and oral communications, problem-solving, leadership and counseling, drill and ceremonies, and how to build effective teams. As a result, Soldiers will be prepared to train, lead, and conduct operations at the team level. Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. While deployed, Task Force Orion Soldiers are able to take advantage of opportunities to complete courses, attend schools, and advance their careers, in addition to their regular duties. "Developing Soldiers like Niel so they can better support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and advance their personal and professional careers is a top priority," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "I couldn't be more proud of Niel, and know he will continue to set a great example of what it means to be in the National Guard for his fellow Soldiers on deployment, and his community at home." Military education and professional development creates opportunities for career progression, increased responsibilities, and opportunities for advancement in the Army National Guard. Citizen Soldiers who serve their state and nation in the Guard are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k). For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

Grafenwoehr, Germany (12/19/2022) - New York Army National Guard Spc. Catherina Ma, a Utica, N.Y., resident, played a key role in celebrating the 386th National Guard Birthday while deployed to Germany December 13, 2022. Ma, a 21-year-old combat medic specialist assigned to Task Force Orion, the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters task force deployed to Europe to train Ukrainian military forces, was one of two Soldiers selected to cut a birthday cake during her unit's celebration. Traditionally, the oldest Guard member in a unit is joined by the youngest Guard member in cutting the cake. The older service member represented the history and traditions of the National Guard, while the younger Soldier represented it's future. Ma and 54-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Raul E. Llopis of Livonia, N.Y. cut the cake together. Ma joined the National Guard as a combat medic specialist almost four years ago, inspired by the example set by her mother who worked as a nurse in Thailand, helping Soldiers. "Serving in my community means I have a greater sense of purpose, that there are people out there who support me, and I'm here supporting them, as well," she said. The National Guard claims Dec. 13, 1636, as its birthday. That was the date on which the legislature of the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law organizing separate militia companies into three regiments. After New Amsterdam became the English colony of New York in 1665, a militia modeled on the system used in Massachusetts and other English colonies was put in place. Citizen Soldiers of the militia and National Guard have fought in all of America's wars from King Philips War against Native Americans in the New England Colonies in 1675 to Iraq and Afghanistan. With more than three and a half centuries of history to trace its roots back through, the National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. armed forces and one of the oldest active military organizations in the world, still in operation. Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. For more on Task Force Orion's National Guard Birthday celebration in Germany, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/435083/ny-national-guard-soldiers-deployed-germany-celebrate-national-guards-386th-birthday. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

Major General Ray Shields, 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 Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Brian M. Arbuckle, a Canton resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Arbuckle, an infantryman currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Kathleen E. Delage, a Campville resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Delage, a human resources specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Sabrina J. Bee, a Hopewell Junction resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Bee, an engineer officer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Zachary G. Dean, a Rochester native, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Dean, a military intelligence officer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 22, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Angelo E. Gelster, a Cheektowaga resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Gelster, an ammunition specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Command Team Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Maj. John M. Harrison, a New York resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Harrison, a field artillery officer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Kenneth T. Jones, a Valley Falls resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Jones, a horizontal construction engineer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the 42nd Infantry Division Command Team Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Levi J. Jordan, a Brooklyn resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Jordan, a military intelligence officer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 22, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, a Washington, D.C. resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. McCarthy, a health services administration officer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Kristjana and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Kristjana is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. By some accounts, the tradition of recognizing Soldiers with challenge coins is said to date back as far as World War I, when a lieutenant in the Army Air Service recognized members of his unit with a coin-sized bronze medallion. The medallion later saved the lieutenant's life when he was shot down behind enemy lines, and used it to identify himself to friendly forces. Today, challenge coins are used as unique symbols of military units, and presented to Soldiers who perform above and beyond the call of duty. The New York Army National Guard awards Soldiers for outstanding service, to encourage continued exceptional performance, positive attitude, and development of leadership ability. These awards also aim to attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for careers in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Palumbo, a Schenectady resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Palumbo, an infantryman currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Joseph and Soldiers like him serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Joseph is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. By some accounts, the tradition of recognizing Soldiers with challenge coins is said to date back as far as World War I, when a lieutenant in the Army Air Service recognized members of his unit with a coin-sized bronze medallion. The medallion later saved the lieutenant's life when he was shot down behind enemy lines, and used it to identify himself to friendly forces. Today, challenge coins are used as unique symbols of military units, and presented to Soldiers who perform above and beyond the call of duty. The New York Army National Guard awards Soldiers for outstanding service, to encourage continued exceptional performance, positive attitude, and development of leadership ability. These awards also aim to attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for careers in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Desirie H. Carson, a North Rose resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Carson, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Kasim T. Coleman, a Niagara Falls resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Coleman, a petroleum supply specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 22, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Ellen R. Kerber, a Nassau resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Kerber, a culinary specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Command Team Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Ellen and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Ellen is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. By some accounts, the tradition of recognizing Soldiers with challenge coins is said to date back as far as World War I, when a lieutenant in the Army Air Service recognized members of his unit with a coin-sized bronze medallion. The medallion later saved the lieutenant's life when he was shot down behind enemy lines, and used it to identify himself to friendly forces. Today, challenge coins are used as unique symbols of military units, and presented to Soldiers who perform above and beyond the call of duty. The New York Army National Guard awards Soldiers for outstanding service, to encourage continued exceptional performance, positive attitude, and development of leadership ability. These awards also aim to attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for careers in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Neil P. Maxwell, a Utica resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Maxwell, an ammunition specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 22, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Samuel J. Drew, a Rochester resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Drew, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 23, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Samuel and Soldiers like him serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Samuel is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. By some accounts, the tradition of recognizing Soldiers with challenge coins is said to date back as far as World War I, when a lieutenant in the Army Air Service recognized members of his unit with a coin-sized bronze medallion. The medallion later saved the lieutenant's life when he was shot down behind enemy lines, and used it to identify himself to friendly forces. Today, challenge coins are used as unique symbols of military units, and presented to Soldiers who perform above and beyond the call of duty. The New York Army National Guard awards Soldiers for outstanding service, to encourage continued exceptional performance, positive attitude, and development of leadership ability. These awards also aim to attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for careers in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.