News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: : Eric Durr, 518-786-4581 or (cell) 518-429-5186

Mobilized New York National Guard Aviators Participate in Fort Sill Farewell

Media Advisory

FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA (07/29/2008; 1230)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Army National Guard's 3^rd Battalion, 142^ndAviation, based in Latham, Albany County and Ronkonkoma, Suffolk County will take part in a farewell ceremony at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on Monday August 4, prior to their departure for Iraq later in the month.

WHO:About 300 New York Army National Guard Soldiers who live in the Long Island and New York City metropolitan areas and New York's Capital Region, will be part of a farewell review being held by the Minnesota Army National Guard's 34^thCombat Aviation Brigade. Also present will be Brig. Gen. Paul Genereux, commander of the New York Army National Guard's 42^ndInfantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Patrick, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard's Joint Forces Headquarters.

WHAT: The New York Soldiers will participate in a mass formation, and a cookout with 3,000 participants following being held at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where they are training for deployment to Iraq.

WHEN: Monday, August 4, 2008 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 300 members of the 3^rd Battalion, 142^ndAviation, which has elements based at McArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, and Albany International Airport, in Latham, have been training at Fort Sill for deployment to Iraq since June. The New York Army National Guard unit was reinforced by Soldiers from the Missouri, so the unit will deploy with about 400 members.

The 3-142^ndwilll deploy to Balad, Iraq and fly missions in support of forces in Iraq as part of the Task Force 34, an aviation force commanded by the 34^th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Coverage Opportunities:

The formal farewell event begins at 11 a.m. The formal ceremony will be followed by a steak dinner for Soldiers and their guests being provided by several Minnesota businesses starting at about 1 p.m. Members of the media would have the opportunity to speak with New York soldiers at that time. Members of the press will need to be at the Fort Sill main gate by 10 a.m. in order to be escorted to the event.

To arrange for access to the secure military installation members of the press must contact Ms. Emily Kelley at the Fort Sill Public Affairs Office no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 1. Ms. Kelley can be reached at (580) 442-2521 or by cell phone at (580) 917-7960. She can be e-mailed at emily.kelley@conus.army.mil

-30-