Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation.
The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony Sept. 9, 2017.
Pvt. Andrew Melnik from Syracuse was formally welcomed into the 222nd Military Police Company during a transition ceremony at the Auburn Armory in Auburn.
The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training.
The Soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part-time Citizen Soldiers.
“The handoff ceremony marks the introduction of our new Soldiers to their unit and receiving new shoulder insignia, highlighting the start of their military service here in New York to serve state and nation,” German said. “I congratulate these Soldiers for their initial accomplishments in training as their first milestone of a career as a Citizen Soldier.”
“Every Soldier or Airman in every unit across our state plays an important role in defending our homeland and serving our nation. We welcome these newest Citizen Soldiers as part of our New York National Guard family.”
The New York Army National Guard welcomed 60 new Soldiers to their units during the Sept. 9 ceremonies around the state.
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.