LATHAM, NY - New York State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy has awarded more than 4,000 members of the New York National Guard the New York State Humane Service Medal to recognize their service during New York's response to Tropical Storm Irene.
The award recognizes service in response to members of New York's Organized Militia who distinguished themselves by sustained meritorious service in a humane operation as a result of a natural disaster, such as floods, snow storms, hurricanes, tornados, and acts of mercy during State Active Duty service at the direction of the governor.
Receiving the New York State Humane Service Medal for service in New York's response to Hurricane Irene locally were:
New York Army National Guard Sgt. Charles Mann, a resident of Montrose and a member of the 204th Engineer Detachment.
New York Army National Guard Spc. Bruce Traver, a resident of Friendsville and a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion.
New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Robert Ralston, a resident of Hallstead and a member of the 827th Engineer Company.
New York Army National Guard Spc. Reggis Madzudzo, a resident of Hallstead and a member of the Headquarters and Service Company, 204th Engineer Battalion.
New York Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas Robinson, a resident of Susquehanna and a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion.
New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Edward Golembeski, a resident of Factoryville, and a member of the 105th Maintenance Squadron, 105th Airlift Wing.
The New York National Guard responded when Governor Andrew Cuomo activated the New York Army and Air National Guard and other components of the New York Military Forces when Hurricane Irene threatened the state on August 28.
Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized more than 2,500 members of the National Guard in advance of Hurricane Irene's arrival in New York on Aug. 27. Since then, more than 1,500 additional troops mobilized in response to the landfall and aftermath of Hurricane Irene, which caused flooding, destruction and disarray in many upstate New York counties.
National Guard members were significant parts of recovery missions in Essex, Scoharie, Delaware and Greene Counties, with an emphasis on supporting devastated communities like in Prattsville, Margaretville and Keene, NY.