New York National Guard

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.

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 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.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Phillip A. Selle, a Groveland resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance during his deployment to Germany. Selle, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of his assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Selle and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Vanessa E. Morales, a Rochester resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Morales, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Morales and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. 1st Class Penny M. Eddy, a Grand Island resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Eddy, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Eddy and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Stacey A. Hart, a Cheektowaga resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Hart, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received two Army Achievement Medals on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering more than 4,000 seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area, and for 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 Hart and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Hart 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Kathleen E. Delage, a Campville resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Delage, a human resources specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 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 Kathleen and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Kathleen 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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 Germany. Carson, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received two Army Achievement Medals on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering more than 4,000 seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area, and for 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 Desire and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Desire 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Laura D. Barlow, a Conroe, Texas, native has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Barlow, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Barlow and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Vanessa J. Mercado, a Buffalo resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Mercado, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Mercado and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Sheldon J. Harden, a Windsor resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Harden, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of his assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Harden and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. William N. Granata, a Poughkeepsie resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Granata, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Granata and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Samuel J. Drew, a Rochester resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Drew, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of his assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Drew and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career 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. Emily P. Winslow an Amsterdam resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed with her unit to Germany. Winslow, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Winslow and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - New York Army National Guard Spc. Catherina Ma, a Utica resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance during her unit deployment to Germany. Ma, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Ma and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." 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. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

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 (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.

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.

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.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nick Whaley, a senior staff officer assigned to the New York National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division, competed in the recent DEKA World Championships in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Nov. 19-20, 2022. Whaley, age 42, was one of more than a dozen National Guard Soldiers who competed in the competition as part of National Guard's All Guard Endurance Team. Whaley, from Clifton Park, New York, placed 1st in DEKA Fit for his age group at the DEKA World Championships. Whaley also competed in the DEKA Mile championships. DEKA events are functional fitness competitions put on by Spartan. DEKA is The Decathlon of Functional Fitness. It consists of indoor fitness competitions and motivational training programs. The fitness competition revolves around ten machines that test endurance and strength in different ways, like rowing, ski ERG and biking. They are an indoor decathlon of functional fitness designed to be basic, simple, and utilitarian. The focus of these events is to train with a purpose - to multiply member motivation, individual performance, and a sense of connection to the community. The event took place Nov. 19 and 20 in the Atlantic City Convention Center. DEKA is a Spartan race brand, and challenges athletes to a series of timed events meant to test their strength and speed. There are three main events including DEKA Strong, which has 10 different stations athletes must complete back-to-back. Then there are DEKA Fit and DEKA Mile, two events that add running portions between the different stations. To compete in a World Championship event, each competitor had to finish the previous qualifying season with a top 12 Competitive/Age Group Mark (time). The All Guard Endurance Team promotes the Army and Air National Guard and improves retention through physical fitness, self-discipline and esprit de corps.

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.