1st Battalion 9th Regiment

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DMNA News Release:

BACKGROUND:

LATHAM, NY (07/07/2008; 1506)(readMedia)– The Department of Defense has announced the death of a New York Army National Guard officer in Afghanistan.

1st Lieutenant Daniel Farkas, aged 42, died on July 4, 2008 of injuries suffered from a non-hostile incident at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.

Lieutenant Farkas was assigned to headquarters 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Syracuse.

“All members of the New York National Guard regret the death of this officer,” said Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and commander of the New York National Guard. “The National Guard will do everything it can to aid Lieutenant Farkas’ family in their hour of need.”

1st Lt. Farkas, was a member of the New York Police Department in civilian life and joined the New York Army National Guard in August 1992. Prior to deploying to Afghanistan he was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery, which is based in the Bronx.

1st Lt. Farkas lived in Washington Park, Brooklyn. He is survived by his mother. The family does not wish to be contacted by the media.

1st Lt. Farkas awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, ,and the National Defense Service Medal. He has been awarded the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal for his service in Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center, and also holds the New York State Physical Fitness Ribbon and New York State Aid to Civil Authorities Medal. He has been awarded Army Commendation Medal and the New York State Medal for Merit posthumously.

The New York Army National Guard’s 27th Brigade Combat Team is part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multi-national force of more than 8,000 U.S. and NATO service personnel training the Afghan National Army and Police. The Task Force is currently being led by the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Brigade Combat Team, commanded by Col Brian Balfe. The brigade was mobilized in January of this year and deployed to Afghanistan in late March and early April.

Currently 1,700 members of the New York Army National Guard are serving in Afghanistan and about 150 are serving in Iraq. Another 300 Soldiers will deploy to Iraq later this year.

About 300 members of the New York Air National Guard’s 174 Fighter Wing are currently deployed in Iraq and about 200 other Air Guard members are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

More than 6,500 members of the New York Army National Guard have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. Twenty-nine members of the New York Army National Guard have died in a combat zone since then; 23 in Iraq and six in Afghanistan, including 1st Lt. Farkas.

Three New York Army National Guard Soldiers– Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, of South Ozone Park, Queens; SPC. Anthony Mangano, of Greenlawn, Suffolk County; and Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez-Ramirez, Revere, Mass-were killed on June 21 when their humvee was struck by and IED and small arms fire north of Kandahar.

On June 26, Sergeant First Class Joseph A. McKay, aged 51, of Cambria Heights, Queens; and Specialist Mark C. Palmateer, aged 38, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County; were killed. Their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device, small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, while operating near Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province in eastern Afghanistan.

It seems to sneak up on us every year, well it’s that time again! Make sure your gear is packed and be sure that your orders and ID card are in hand when you arrive. If you have any problems or questions go through your COC. Orders have been distributed.
2008 ANNUAL TRAINING : JULY 13 – 19

BASIC INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING
ADVANCED NCO COURSE
OFFICER ORIENTATION COURSE
CERTIFICATION COURSES: SAR, COMMO, FEMA, HAZMAT

FULL NY GUARD FTX

If you have any question as to which course you are scheduled for, go through your COC.

“With our new missions, the state is counting on us. We have to show them a
show of force at Annual Training this year. MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION is
mandatory. I want to see ALL our soldiers training hard at
Camp Smith in July.” – MG Van Patten

DMNA News Release:

BACKGROUND:

CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (June 30, 2008) – A memorial ceremony was held on Monday 30 June for four U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix who were killed last week as a result of combat operations in Afghanistan.

“What links these four men together – marine and soldiers – is their devotion to duty and the ideal of a greater good,” said Col. Brian K. Balfe, commander, CJTF-P, to more than 200 U.S. and coalition service members and distinguished guests in attendance.

“They each pursued the accomplishment of mission despite the danger that lay in front of them. Each spoke to us with their actions which for these four honorable men clearly speak louder than any words. They truly cleared the way for all of us here today,” said Balfe.

Representatives of the Afghan National Army and the Camp Phoenix-based French and Romanian detachments were present.

The following U.S personnel were honored.

Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Strickland, 25, of Labelle, Fla. died June 25, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif

They following Soldiers died from wounds suffered June 26 near Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, when their convoy encountered improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew L. Hilton, 37, of Livonia, Mich., who was assigned to the 425th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, Selfridge, Mich.

Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. McKay, 51, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Jamestown, N.Y.

Spc. Mark C. Palmateer, 38, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Jamestown, N.Y.

DMNA News Release:

BACKGROUND:

LATHAM, NY– Two New York Army National Guard Soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced today.

Sergeant First Class Joseph A. McKay, aged 51, of Cambria Heights, Queens; and Specialist Mark C. Palmateer, aged 38, of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County; were killed shortly after 1 p.m. Afghan time on June 26. Their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device,small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, while operating near Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province in eastern Afghanistan.

Both men were members of B Troop 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition) which is based in Jamestown, Chautauqua County. Their unit was assigned to Afghan Regional Security Integration Command- East, (ARSIC-EAST) which is responsible for training the Afghan National Army in eastern Afghanistan.

ARSIC-East is part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multi-national force of more than 8,000 U.S. and NATO service personnel training the Afghan National Army and Police. Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix is currently being led by the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Brigade Combat Team, commanded by Col Brian Balf.

A third Soldier, belonging to the Michigan Army National Guard, Sergeant First Class Matthew Hilton, aged 37, of Livonia, Michigan, was also killed in the attack.

“Once again the members of the New York Army National Guard are mourning the loss of brave Soldiers who died defending their country and trying to help the people of Afghanistan,” said Major General Joseph Taluto, the adjutant general of New York and commander of the New York National Guard. “We will mourn with their families and will do everything within our power to help them.”

“We are united, though, in our respect for their dedication to their mission, to their brothers and sisters in arms, and to the people of New York and the United States of America and we take pride in their service. As Soldiers we know that we may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice so that this nation and the freedoms we enjoy may endure,” Major General Taluto said.

Three New York Army National Guard members were killed on June 21 when their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device outside Kandahar. Killed in that incident were Sergeant Andrew Seabrooks, Sergeant Nelson Roderiguez-Rameriz, and Specialist Anthony Mangano.

Sergeant First Class McKay is survived by a wife and son who live in Cambria Heights, an adult son who lives in Brooklyn, and an adult daughter who lives in Hope Mills, North Carolina. He was born on July 4, 1956.

He served in Iraq in 2004-2005 with the 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery of the New York Army National Guard

Sergeant First Class McKay joined the Army National Guard in August of 1977 and was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class in May of 2005. Prior to being assigned to B Troop 101st Cavalry he was a member of G Company 427th Brigade Support Battalion, based in Jamaica, Queens.

His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge awarded posthumously; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the New York State Aid to Civil Authorities and the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal, awarded for service in New York City following the 9/11 attacks.

Specialist Palmateer is survived by a daughter who lives in North Creek, Warren County, and his father who resides in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County. He was born on October 21, 1969.
Specialist Palmateer joined the New York Army National Guard in August 2003. He was previously assigned to Company C 1-69th Infantry before joining B Troop 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry.
His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge awarded posthumously; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the New York State Aid to Civil Authorities.

He has been posthumously promoted to Sergeant.

More than 6,500 members of the New York Army National Guard have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. Twenty-six members of the New York Army National Guard have been killed in action since then, 23 in Iraq and three in Afghanistan.

Currently 1,700 members of the New York Army National Guard are serving in Afghanistan and about 150 are serving in Iraq. Another 300 Soldiers will deploy to Iraq later this year.

About 300 members of the New York Air National Guard’s 174 Fighter Wing are currently deployed in Iraq and about 200 other Air Guard members are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND:

Video of the ceremony is avaliable here

CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A memorial ceremony was held today at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, for eight U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix (CJTF-P) who were killed last week as a result of combat operations in Afghanistan.

“These young men are Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the finest military tradition,” said Colonel Brian K. Balfe, the commander of CJTF-P to a formation comprised of nearly 300 U.S. and coalition service members and distinguished guests paying tribute to fallen warriors during a special ceremony held in the base’s Patriot Square.

“All volunteered for their own reasons. The Army, the Navy and the Marine Corps each lost true warriors. All served. All sacrificed,” said Col. Balfe.

Representatives of the Afghan National Army and the Camp Phoenix-based French and Romanian detachments also participated.

Many comrades of the fallen personnel from Camp Phoenix and other bases were present to pay tribute.

The following U.S personnel were commemorated in today’s event.

Sgt. Matthew E. Mendoza, 24, of San Antonio, Texas, died June 20 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Hospitalman Dustin Kelby Burnett, 19, of Fort Mohave, Ariz., was assigned to First Marine Division Detachment, Twentynine Palms, Calif. He died June 20 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan.

Capt. Eric Daniel Terhune, 34, of Lexington, KY died June 19 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Andrew Francis Whitacre, 21, of Bryant, Ind. died June 19 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The following U.S. Army personnel died June 21 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

Lt. Col. James J. Walton, 41, of Rockville, Md., who was assigned to a Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan

Spc. Anthony L. Mangano, 36, of Greenlawn, N.Y., who was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Geneva, N.Y.

Sgt. Nelson D. Rodriguez Ramirez, 22, of Revere, Mass., who was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Geneva, N.Y.

Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, 36, of Queens, N.Y., who was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), New York Army National Guard, Geneva, N.Y.

DMNA News Release:

BACKGROUND:

LATHAM, NY — Three members of the New York Army National Guard were killed in action outside Kandahar, Afghanistan on June 21.

Killed are Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, of South Ozone Park, Queens; SPC. Anthony Mangano, of Greenlawn, Suffolk County; and Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez-Ramirez, Revere, Mass. All three Soldiers were assigned to A Troop, Second Squadron 101st Cavalry, based in Geneva, Ontario County.

The three Soldiers were part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multi-national force of more than 8,000 U.S. and NATO service personnel training the Afghan National Army and Police. Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix is currently being led by the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Brigade Combat Team, commanded by Col Brian Balf.

The Soldiers and another member of the task force-Lt. Col James Walton of the 1st Infantry Division– were killed in an ambush en route to a training location when their vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and commander of the New York Army National Guard, said Guard members across the state will mourn the loss of the Soldiers.

“We in the military understand that we may be called upon to pay the ultimate sacrifice,” Major General Taluto said. “But we are always saddened when comrades in arms make those sacrifices.”

“These three members of the Army National Guard died carrying out an important mission; training the Afghan forces to stand against elements that would return their country to the dark ages. We are proud of them and we will never forget them,” Major General Taluto said.

Sgt. Seabrooks, joined the New York Army National Guard in March of 1994 and was assigned to the Company G of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion in Jamaica, Queens, prior to being assigned to the 101st Cavalry for this deployment in 2007.

Sgt. Seabrooks was born on Jan. 6, 1972. He is survived by a wife and two children, who are living in Newport News, Va. and an adult son who resides in Jamaica, Queens.

Sgt. Rodriguez-Ramirez joined the New York Army National Guard in September 2003. Prior to this deployment he was a member of Company B Second Battalion 108th Infantry and C Troop Second Squadron 101st Cavalry, both based in Buffalo.

Sgt. Roriguez-Ramierz is survived by a daughter who resides with his ex-wife in Niagara Falls, NY and by his father and mother who live in Chelsea, Mass., and Revere, Mass., respectively. He was born on Aug. 13, 1985. He was promoted posthumously to Sergeant and was a Specialist when the incident occurred

Specialist Mangano joined the New York Army in August 1991 and served as a drilling member until April 1994. He reenlisted in the New York Army National Guard’s C Company 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, based in Leeds, Green County, in February 2007. He was transferred to the 101st Cavalry for the Afghanistan deployment.

Specialist Mangano is survived by a wife, who resides in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and his mother, who lives in Greenlawn, Suffolk County . He was born on April, 12, 1972.

All three Soldiers have been awarded the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, which recognizes honorable wartime service, by Gov. David A. Paterson

More than 6,500 members of the New York Army National Guard have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. Twenty-three members of the New York Army National Guard have been killed in action since then, all in Iraq until now.

Currently 1,700 members of the New York Army National Guard are serving in Afghanistan and about 150 are serving in Iraq. Another 300 Soldiers will deploy to Iraq later this year.

About 300 members of the New York Air National Guard’s 174 Fighter Wing are currently deployed in Iraq and about 200 other Air Guard members are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.