South Shore Residents Join The National Guard

Two South Shore residents are among the newest batch of recruits to complete their basic training and join the New York Army National Guard.

The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony on Feb. 12.

Pvt. Michael Minerva, of Bellmore, was formally welcomed into the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry during a transition ceremony at the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center in Farmingdale.

Pvt. Nicholas Ryan, of Long Beach, was formally welcomed into the 4th Finance Detachment during a transition ceremony at the Lexington Ave. Armory in New York.

The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part-time Citizen Soldiers.

"The handoff ceremony marks the introduction of our new soldiers to their unit and receiving new shoulder insignia, highlighting the start of their military service here in New York to serve state and nation," said Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York. "I congratulate these soldiers for their initial accomplishments in training as their first milestone of a career as a Citizen Soldier."