See Humvee and LMTV at Military Appreciation Day Sept 2nd at Saratoga Race Course

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Inside a New York National Guard Humvee

SARATOGA SPRINGS (09/01/2015)(readMedia)-- Come see a New York Army National Guard Humvee or even an LMTV at the Saratoga Race Course this week. Soldiers will be on hand to talk with the public about New York's Army National Guard at Military Appreciation Day Sept. 2, 2015.

In addition, there will be a basketball toss, a rock wall and a dogtag machine to create dogtags for the kids. Many other military exhibits and activities will be offered by other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as informational displays from the New York State Military Museum, located in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Soldiers will be available to talk about service, benefits, physical fitness and education that come along with the job. College graduates are welcome to apply, as well as anyone else interested in the ongoing educational opportunities that continue throughout a Guard career.

For inquiries, contact Master Sgt. Jason Williamson at (518) 491-0355

WHO: New York Army National Guard Soldiers, the public, active and retired military members and racing fans

WHAT: Military Appreciation Day at The Track

WHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 2015

WHERE: Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

BACKGROUND:

Military Apreciation Day at Saratoga

The day will feature free grandstand admission for all United States mlitary service members and veterans with valid military ID or proof of mlitary service. Additionally, NYRA will welcome local service members and veterans to present the trophy for each race throughout the afternoon.

Singers with Saratoga Soundtrack will greet guests with patriotic songs as they arrive at the Union Avenue entrances beginning at 11:30 a.m.

NYRA will pay tribute to its service member and veteran employees with a special ceremony in the winner's circle during the National Anthem, which will be performed by Sergeant Mary Kay Messenger of the West Point United States Military Academy Master at 11:30 a.m. The National Anthem will be accompanied by a Presentation of Colors from members of the NSA Saratoga.

Cadet Messenger will return to the winner's circle to perform God Bless America during the afternoon.

Veterans of World War II and the Korean War will be recognized in the winner's circle following the day's second race, named in honor of Military Appreciation Day. The ceremony will commemorate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day, which occurred on August 15, 1945 marking the end of World War II. The veterans are beneficiaries of the Leatherstocking Honor Flight, which transports American veterans to Washington D.C. to visit national memorials dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifices.

Artwork created by veterans participating in the fine arts program of the Veterans Services Project at Living Resources will be on display at the Saratoga Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program provides local military veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injuries with an outlet to express their emotions as they transition to civilian life. The artist veterans will also gather in the winner's circle to present the trophy for the day's third race at approximately 2:06 p.m.

The Community Outreach Booth will host the Toys for Tots Foundation, a national movement organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute as holiday gifts for less fortunate children. The Capital Region Toys for Tots campaign works with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys and serves more than 200,000 area children. At the Community Outreach Booth, United States Marines volunteering with the Capital Region Toys for Tots program will give its toy collection a head start by accepting monetary donations and new, unwrapped toys.

The New York Army National Guard

The New York Army National Guard, with a membership close to 10,500 Soldiers, is currently at 100 percent strength. National Guard recruiters, however, are continually seeking new Soldiers for job and education opportunities in units across the state.

A recruiting team at the fair is manning a mobile recruiting station at which visitors can find out about part-time jobs available with the Army National Guard. They can learn more about what 10,000 members of the New York Army National Guard do, and consider if they have an interest in joining the team.

Recruiters and Army National Guard Soldiers will be prepared to discuss benefits of National Guard membership. This may include money for further education, specialized skills training and additional income.

The New York Army National Guard has units located all across the state. After Soldiers complete basic and advanced training, they can expect to generally serve one weekend per month and two weeks annual training. Other training opportunities require a greater time commitment.

Members of the Army National Guard have both a national and state function. Soldiers train as infantrymen, truck drivers, artillerymen, signal specialists, medics and supply clerks or in other skills. This prepares Soldiers for deployment overseas into combat zones or for other federal missions. National Guard Soldiers also put military skills to work here in New York State when responding to state emergency missions.

Members of the media are invited to drop by the National Guard recruiting stations as part of their coverage. Throughout the summer months New York Army National Guard recruiters will be manning booths at town and county fairs to let the public and potential Soldiers know more about the opportunities available within the force.

For additional information contact Master Sgt. Jason Williamson 518-491-0355