New York National Guard

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.

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.

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 Maj. Patrick A. Winkler, an Alexandria resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Winkler, 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. 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. 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.

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 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. Jessy Polanco, a Bronx resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Polanco, a unit supply 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.

New York Army National Guard Spc. May C. Webb, a Syracuse resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Webb, a unit supply 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.

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeffery A. Tajon, a Halfmoon resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Tajon, a combat engineer 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.

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 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.

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.

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently recognized five New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. Recognized Airmen included Senior Master Sgt. Jeremiah Martinez from New Hartford, N.Y., who received the Meritorious Service Medal. The 224th Air Defense Squadron's operations training superintendent, Martinez re-organized training and instruction, which increased the number of Airmen trained annually by 50 percent. Martinez was also recognized for integrating 460 lesson plans from seven different sources, establishing a new curriculum for 30 instructors, and for his superior performance during a major Air Combat Command inspection. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently recognized five New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. Recognized Airmen included Senior Master Sgt. Carrie Pelland from Canastota, N.Y., who received the Meritorious Service Medal. The 224th Air Defense Squadron's air picture management section chief, Pelland was recognized for orchestrating multiple radars during 100 Presidential flights. An experienced weapons director, Pelland's additional accomplishments included controlling 24 practice and exercise scrambles for flying units, teaching 285 academic hours and conducting 11 crew exercises. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently recognized five New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. Recognized Airmen included 2nd Lt. Ray Shively, from Rome, N.Y., who received the Air Force Commendation Medal. Recently commissioned, Shively was recognized for his work as an enlisted Airman, where he developed a new surveillance technician qualification program for more than 90 Airmen and supported 46 tactical actions during 72 Presidential movements. Other accomplishments included planning 40 training missions and scheduling more than 4,400 training hours. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently recognized five New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. Recognized Airmen included Master Sgt. Angelina Palmer, from Canastota, N.Y., who received the Air Force Commendation Medal. Palmer was recognized for her work at EADS and at the Western Air Defense Sector in Tacoma, Washington, where she re-invigorated the unit's Drug Reduction Program, achieved 100 percent mission completion on two NORAD inspections, and incorporated 45 changes into a communications panel re-design, reducing time delays by 75 percent. Since joining the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Palmer has supported more than 70 Presidential temporary flight restrictions and coordinated intelligence with federal law enforcement and aviation agencies. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.