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A Letter from the Outgoing NY Guard Commander

The outgoing New York Guard (State Defense Force) commanding general, Brig. Gen. David Warager, recently wrote a letter to his fellow NY Guard troops that discusses the success the branch had over the past few years.

A letter from the outgoing Commander of the New York Guard, BG David Warager
To My Fellow New York Guard Soldiers:
On September 17th MG Ray Shields, The Adjutant General, conducted a Change of Command ceremony at Camp Smith where BG Pete Riley assumed Command of the New York Guard from me as of October 1, 2021. Today is my last day as Commanding General of the NYG and as an active soldier in the NYG. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all, my fellow NYG soldiers, for all you have done, and for all your support during the last five years I have had the honor to command.
We have accomplished so much in these last five years, the most active five-year period for the New York Guard since World War II, including Operations Lake Ontario, and Maria Support in 2017; three storm related missions in 2018, six missions in 2019 including Lake Ontario 2019, and since March 9, 2020, Operation COVID-19, which today is Day 570 and counting. We have also supported many smaller missions including providing PAO support, our annual participation in Exercise Empire Challenge with our other NY Military Forces. The Legal, Clergy and Medical service missions, and the great performances of our 89th NYG Band, including the virtual performance of our National Anthem on the big screen at Yankee Stadium on Memorial Day.
Due to the outstanding work done by our NYG soldiers on these State Active-Duty missions, the NYG is now written into the CONPLAN to be called to duty at the start of any State Emergency. I am sure that the NYG will be able to build on this accomplishment. I will watch with pride from the sidelines as you continue to carry on the splendid work started over one hundred years ago.
I take comfort in knowing that under BG Pete Reilly’s leadership, with the support of the staff and Unit Commanders, and with all your support, the NYG will become even better in fulfilling its mission to serve the citizens of New York State.
And remember – Semper Gumby!!
Thank you.
Best Regards,
David J. Warager,
Brigadier General, NYG
Commanding
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