Governor Hochul Recognizes Extraordinary Service of New York State’s Defense Forces

Governor Kathy Hochul today recognized the extraordinary service of New York State's defense forces by presenting citations to four individuals and two groups of defense force members who have gone above and beyond in fulfilling their missions and representing our state and nation to the world. Major General Michel Natali, Assistant Adjutant General of the New York National Guard, joined Governor Hochul for tomorrow's ceremony.

"New York State's defense forces are a model for service and excellence around the globe," Governor Hochul said. "By recognizing these individuals and organizations for their exemplary acts of service, we are elevating their devotion to protecting New Yorkers, and committing ourselves to the same."

Last year, the New York National Guard led the nation in recruitment and retention, and the federal government ranked the New York National Guard number one for "strength health." Recently, New York National Guard personnel helped respond to extreme weather events, provided asylum seeker resource support, and was deployed to the NYC subway system to support public safety efforts. Joint Task Force-Empire Shield was formed in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and serves as security force partly responsible for the military defense of New York City. Every day, Joint Task Force-Empire Shield is protecting the major transportation hubs and networks assisting law enforcement, including the subway system. About 100 members of New York's defense forces who responded to the terrorist attacks are still on duty today.

The Governor presented citations to: Corporal Patricio Rubilar, NY Naval Militia; Sergeant Brian Salcedo, NY Naval Militia; and Sergeant Desany Jacques, New York Army National Guard and SSG Joel Strickland, New York Army National Guard.

Citation Recipients:

Corporal Patricio Rubilar, NY Naval Militia: On June 12, 2024, while assigned to the Bellerose Inn, Corporal Rubilar was notified by the parent of an asylum seeker that his six-year-old was choking. Corporal Rubilar immediately responded to the room where he found a six-year-old choking on an object. Without hesitation, Cpl. Rubilar cleared the obstructed airway by performing the Heimlich maneuver, ultimately saving the six-year-old's life.

• Sergeant Brian Salcedo, NY Naval Militia: On June 28, 2024, while assigned to the Superlake Hotel, Sergeant Salcedo responded to a mother and child when the child was not breathing or responsive. Sergeant Salcedo immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver on the child, who then coughed up a dime coin and started crying. The baby was returned to her mother and no further medical attention was required.
• SSG Joel Strickland, NYARNG & Sergeant Desany Jacques, NYARNG: On May 20, 2024, SSG Joel Strickland and Sergeant Desani Jacques helped save the life of a man stabbed at the Queens subway station. The men used their medical skills and trauma kits to stop the bleeding and stabilize the victim. The National Guard members were reporting to the checkpoint site at the Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Street subway station. They were a part of the Joint Task Force-Empire Shield, which is composed of 780 soldiers and airmen who serve on state active duty while performing their annual training and drill periods. They provide security in city train and subway stations and at airports and bridges.
• Colonel Jeffrey Roth on behalf of the Joint Task Force-Empire Shield: Colonel Jeffrey Roth serves as the Commander of the Joint Task Force-Empire Shield. He is currently on leave from his civilian job, as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans Services. He has previously deployed to the middle east and has received a number of awards for his service.
• Colonel Glyn Weir on behalf of the 106th Rescue Wing: Colonel Glyn Weir has been the 106th Mission Support Group commander since May 2021. Weir served in Iraq and Afghanistan and has deployed over a dozen times. He additionally supported domestic operations during hurricanes and other rescue missions as well as supporting NASA, most recently testing tactics, techniques, procedures and rescue equipment used for our return to human space flight.

About New York State's Defense Forces

• Joint Task Force-Empire Shield: The Joint Task Force-Empire Shield (JTF-ES) was formed in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, to protect New York City from future attacks. Joint Task Force-Empire Shield is the State's standing military organization that plans and prepares for defense support to civil authority missions throughout the New York City area. Every day, Joint Task Force-Empire Shield protects the major transportation hubs and networks assisting law enforcement, including the subway system. The unit is commanded by a colonel and jointly staffed with Army and Air National Guard personnel along with members of the New York Naval Militia and New York Guard. The Governor employs the task force through the adjutant general. The unit is state resourced and sustained from the New York National Guard to support state and city emergency management and law enforcement officials with a rapid response force of National Guard members for homeland security missions. At the end of 2023 there were 707 personnel assigned to the mission of augmenting local, state, and federal law enforcement entities at major transportation hubs. Today, there are about 100 NYNG members still on duty who responded to the terrorist attacks 23 years ago.
• The 106th Rescue Wing: The Wing traces its history back to World War II when they flew bombers in the fight against fascism in Europe. They regularly fly into danger and perform aerial rescues during extreme weather events. Last year, they played a pivotal role in the search for the missing Titan submersible. Additionally, on September 11, 2001, the first air national guard that was on the scene in downtown NYC was the 106th Rescue Wing.

New York State's defense forces are a model for service and excellence around the globe"

New York State Adjutant General Raymond Shields said, "I want to thank Governor Hochul for recognition of the men and women of the New York National Guard and New York Naval Militia, and the efforts they make every day to aid our fellow New Yorkers and defend the United States of America. We are proud to serve our state and nation and the people of the communities we live in across the State."

New York State Assistant Adjutant General Michel Natali said, "The Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the New York National Guard are proud of our 350-year history of defending our state and nation when called upon. Members of the National Guard, and the New York Naval Militia, are part of communities across our state and we are honored to be able to serve our friends and neighbors when needed. I want to thank Governor Hochul for taking the time to recognize that service."

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, "I am happy that Governor Hochul is recognizing the National Guard. These two officers are prime examples of their bravery and selflessness. We hold the National Guard in the highest esteem. We thank their members for their service and dedication. The work they do seen and unseen protects us daily in the state of New York."

Assemblymember Kimberly Jean Pierre said, "As Chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am deeply humbled to stand alongside Governor Hochul in honoring the remarkable courage and dedication of New York State's defense forces. The individuals and groups we recognize today have shown an extraordinary commitment to protecting our communities. Their selfless actions are a powerful reminder of how much we rely on them to ensure the safety and well-being of every New Yorker. From the life-saving heroics of Corporals Patricio Rubilar and Brian Salcedo, to the swift and decisive actions of SSG Joel Strickland and Sergeant Desany Jacques, and the steadfast leadership of Colonel Jeffrey Roth and Colonel Glyn Weir, these are just a few shining examples of the everyday bravery and dedication within our ranks. The men and women of the Joint Task Force-Empire Shield and the 106th Rescue Wing go above and beyond in their service, and their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. We owe each of them our deepest gratitude for their unwavering dedication to both our state and our nation."

Contact the Governor's Press Office