Area National Guard Soldiers Re-enlisted To Military Duties

Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, the adjutant general, announces the recent re-enlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

The members are as follows:

• Sgt. Augusto Vargas from Glendale has re-enlisted to continue service with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

• Specialist Brian Lopez of Corona has re-enlisted to continue service with the Troop C 2-101 Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition).

• Specialist Leonardo Diaz of Richmond Hill has re-enlisted to continue service with the Company C 642d Support Battalion.

• Specialist Elvis Trivino of Ridgewood has re-enlisted to continue service with the Headquarters Detachment 27th Finance Battalion Rear.

"This is the most capable New York National Guard I've seen in my 43 years of service," Taluto said in remarks to the force.

"Our new recruits from local communities have given us a force that is younger than it has ever been, but at the same time we are stronger and more experienced than ever thanks to the large number of combat veterans filling our ranks," the adjutant general remarked. "We've got a tremendous amount of military experience out there."

The New York Army National Guard exceeded 100 percent of its authorized strength this month, recruiting and retaining a force of more than 10,490 Soldiers against an authorization of 10,481 as of December 5.

This is the first time since the Vietnam War era that the New York Army National Guard has been at 100 percent strength. This is due to a combination of aggressive recruiting and the retention of the experienced veteran soldiers of the force.

The New York Army National Guard is currently exceeding the nationwide goal for retaining Citizen Soldiers, with more than 85 percent of the force electing to continue service with their unit. The objective for Army National Guard units across the nation is to retain at least 75 percent of their members.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.state.ny.us or www.1800goguard.com.