Troops from The New York Guard’s (State Defense Force) 88th Area Command were recently recognized for the service they provided during The Covid-19 Pandemic. When the pandemic reached US shores in March 2020, The Governor of New York quickly activated The National Guard and New York Guard to provide assistance to local authorities.

The Joint Task Force of National Guard & New York Guard performed a wide array of missions from warehouse supply & logistics to administering Covid-19 Tests and Vaccines. The troops also responded to the food shortage that occurred in mid 2020 by distributing an astounding 54 Million meals to New Yorkers. Making sure no New Yorker went hungry.

When the Covid-19 Mission ended over 7,000 troops of The New York National Guard & New York Guard answered the call. It became the largest Domestic Mobilization in the States history.

New York Guard Service Members from the 88th Area Command recognized for their Service during COVID-19

Photos by WO1 Edward Shevlin and Specialist Chuck Garelick -New York Guard Public Affairs

Queens, NY –Recognition of the incredible time and effort exhibited by service members of the New York Guard is never foremost on the minds of these dedicated public servants. However, occasionally in between activations, drills and their civilian jobs members receive the acknowledgment they so richly deserve.

On December 10^th, 2022, after holding their 25th Annual Battle of Fredericksburg Commemoration at the Calvary Cemetery in Queens, NY, several service members assigned to New York Guard 88^th Area Command, which encompasses Nassau and Suffolk Counties (Long Island), and New York City Boroughs, received recognition for their incredible service during the COVID 19 pandemic. The service members were presented their awards by New York Guard 88^th Area Commander, Lt Col Christopher St Victor-Depinho, and 88^th AC CSM Steve Vera.

New York State Pandemic Response Service Ribbon

(Last Name, First Name, Rank)

KIVLER THOMAS              CW3

KWOK   JONATHAN         SPC

CALLEJA-PLACIDO ALONDRA SPC

KRANWINKLE JAINAI      2LT

MORELLI JR STEVEN J      SSG

MARRERO RAMON          SPC

MUNIZ JOHN R                MAJ

ELIE YVES MARC               SGT

KEWLEY ASHLEY                SPC

HAZELL ANDREW H          SSG

HOWE   WILLIAM              SPC

GALLAGHER RAYMOND P CPT

DISIMONE-BIGGINS MICHAEL SSG

GIORDANI JEAN M           SPC

ELLISTON DONALD F       SPC

HONDO TATSUYA             SGT

FOURNIER HILARIO J       SGT

HERSHENFELD STEPHAN P. SSG

HERNANDEZ WILLIAM    SSG

STEINER MATTHEW G     CW2

SANTIAGO EDUARDO     SSG

SIMPLICE RUSSELL           SSG

BURMAGIN YURIY           SPC

SHEVLIN EDWARD            WO1

TATUM MICHAEL J           SSG

BERGER JOHN J                 SSG

COLLADO DANIEL K         SPC

TSIN DAVID                         CPT

AYALA   BRIAN                   SPC

VELASCO JULIO                 SPC

VELEZ JOHNNY W             CPT

VERA STEVE L                     CSM

SCIORTINO LEONARDO SSG

AGUNWA ONYEMEKARA SPC

TORRES LESTER E              SSG

VELEZ BRENDA                  SPC

RYAN DAVID H                   LTC

BALDWIN JOSEPH SCOTT PFC

PAZYMINO MICHAEL      SPC

POTEAU WENDELL J        SSG

COLLADO EMANUEL       PFC

RODRIGUEZ REBECCA A SFC

OCASIO JUAN C                 SSG

LEWIS-YOUNG NNEKA   SPC

PERKINS ZACHARY A.      1LT

BATISTA JOSHUE              SGT

SHAFEEK DEV                   SGT

RODRIGUEZ LUIS              SPC

RUGGERI DAVID KAI       SPC

ROGERS MICHAEL            2LT

Source: New York Guard