National Guard Officers Gather for Professional Conference

'America's Most Trusted' is Theme of the Annual Adjutant General's Professional Day

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Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, DIrector of the Air National Guard, shown here with Major Gen. Patrick Murphy, New York's Adjutant General, was the key speaker at the 2011 National Guard Professional Day.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (04/13/2012)(readMedia)-- More than 300 New York Army and Air National Guard officers will gather at the Saratoga Springs Convention Center today and Saturday, April 13 and 14, for the annual Adjutant General's Professional Day.

The event brings the leaders of the 16,000 member New York National Guard together to discuss professional issues, develop their leadership skills, and learn about new policies that affect the Army and Air National Guard.

The theme of this year's meeting is "America's Most Trusted."

"The National Guard has built a reservoir of good will with the American people for our support in emergencies here at home and our service to the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York.

"My goal for this weekend is that our officers understand how important it is to maintain this trust by furthering their professional development," Murphy said.

Members of the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard, the state's volunteer force that augments and assists the National Guard, will also participate in the weekend's events.

Today the Army and Air Guard leaders will focus on issues specific to each service. The Saturday sessions bring the entire group together to discuss common challenges.

During the Saturday event, the leader's spouses and family members will be meeting on the challenges facing military families at the Gideon Putnam Hotel.

Major General Timothy Kadavy, the Deputy Director of the Army National Guard, and Jerome Hauer, the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will be the key speakers on Saturday.

A banquet will be held tonight night at which outstanding Soldiers and Airmen and those retiring from the force will be recognized.