Maine Resident Is Awardee in Statewide New York Army National Guard Competition

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Specialist Robert Jayne ( right) receives his award from Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York.

LATHAM, NY (12/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Maine resident Robert Jayne, a Specialist in the New York Army National Guard, has been named Second Runner Up in the Guard's annual competition for top member of the 130-member New York Military Forces Honor Guard.

The New York Military Forces Honor Guard provides military funeral services for all Army veterans or serving Active, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers whose families request them. In 2010 the Honor Guard participated in more than 10,000 funerals across New York.

Jayne, a member of the National Guard for eight years, has served on the Honor Guard for the last two years. He is currently assigned on full-time Active Duty at the Honor Guard's office in Binghamton where he coordinates funeral coverage for the region. He is assigned to Headquarters and Service Company of the 204th Engineer Battalion as the unit armorer.

The Honor Guard of the Year Award is dedicated to the memory of Sgt. David Rostum, an Honor Guard member who was killed in action while serving in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry. Soldiers are judged based on their score on a physical fitness test, over military knowledge and ability to demonstrate proficiency in funeral detail duties and the manual of arms.