New York Army National Guard marks Army Birthday with cake-cutting ceremony this afternoon, June 14

LATHAM, NY (06/14/2018) (readMedia)-- The New York Army National Guard marks the 243rd birthday of the United States Army this afternoon, Thursday, June 14 at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. One of the oldest Soldiers present will join the youngest Soldier in cutting the Army Birthday cake.

WHO: Master Sgt. John Batza, a 58-year old Soldier from Watervliet, will be the oldest Soldier during the cake cutting ceremony. Batza, who served in the Army from 1980 to 1985 and joined the New York Army National Guard in 1991, serves as a personnel specialist in the New York Army National Guard's military personnel office at the Watervliet Arsenal.

Sgt. Tyler Center, a 24-year old Soldier from Slingerlands, will represent the youngest Soldier during the cake-cutting ceremony. He is a supply specialist assigned to New York Army National Guard headquarters and enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2014.

Major General Raymond Shields of Saratoga Springs, the commander of the New York Army National Guard will preside.

WHAT: A traditional cake-cutting ceremony commemorating June 14, 1775 which the United States Army considers its birthday. The youngest and the oldest Soldiers present join the presiding officer to cut the Army Birthday Cake. The youngest Soldier represents the future of the Army while the oldest represents continuity with the Army's history. The Capital Region Chapter of the Association of the United States Army is providing the cake. Cake cutters will use a ceremonial cavalry saber to cut the cake.

WHERE: New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham N.Y., 12110

WHEN: 2 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018.

Reporters must contact the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs Office at 518-786-4581 for access to this secure military facility.