News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Pardee (315) 886-9428 or Sgt. Major Larry Linville (585) 905-1450 or Air National Guard Mast Sgt. Bradly Addision (315)223-2241

New York Army and Air National Guard Participate in the New York State Fair

Media Advisory

SYRACUSE, NY (08/20/2008; 1501)(readMedia)-- Visitors to the Great New York State Fair will be able to climb aboard the New York Army National Guard's newest armored vehicle, view a full-scale replica of an F-16 flown by the New York Air National Guard's 174^th Fighter Wing in Iraq, or be a "Rock Star Hero" in a tour bus touring the nation for the National Guard. Members of the media looking for new angles for State Fair coverage are invited to visit the New York Army and Air National Guard displays Aug. 21 to Sept. 1.

Who: New York Army National Guard and New York Air National recruiters, New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, and the commander of the New York National Guard, Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General.

What: The New York Army National Guard will sponsor a recruiting zone near the New York State Fair's Gate 4. Visitors to the recruiting zone will be able to examine an M-1117 Armored Security Vehicle and a computer downlink station employed as part of the Army's Joint Node Network communications system. Visitors to the Army National Guard recruiting station will be able to test their strength with a special physical fitness trainer, and engage targets on a seven meter range with air-propelled weapons that replicate issue military firearms.

The New York Air National Guard recruiting station will include a full scale replica of an F-16C. The 174^th Fighter Wing operated these aircraft in support of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers during a two-month combat rotation that ended last month. On opening day the 174^th will conduct a two-ship flyover of the fair grounds to salute attendees.

When: August 21 to Sept. 1, 2008.

Where: The New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse

Background:

Coverage Opportunities:

August 21: Two New York Air National Guard F-16 Falcon's conduct a flyover of the Great New York State Fair on opening day.

August 21-August 24: NASCAR Showcar #88, a replica of the "National Guard Car" driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be on display at the Army National Guard recruiting station near fairgrounds Gate 4.

August 23-24: The National Guard's "Rock Star Hero" tour bus makes an appearance at the fair. The 45 foot bus includes a "stage" in which passersby can compete in the "Rock Star Hero III" video game . The inside of the bus is outfitted as an emergency command center in which participants can engage in a disaster response simulation game. Finally, the bus includes a "green screen" which allows visitors to have their picture taken as a Rock or National Guard hero.

August 28: At noon the Commander of the New York Army National Guard, Major General Joseph Taluto, presides as members of the National Guard salute veterans and affirm their oath of service. The New York Army National Guard's 27^th Brigade Combat Team and the New York Air National Guard's 174^th Fighter Wing will provide color guards for the event.

All Week: An opportunity to interview Army and Air National Guard recruiters and members about the New York National Guard and collect images of the public viewing the recruiting displays.

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