NYC Mayor Recognizes Area National Guard Soldiers

NEW YORK CITY - New York Army National Guard Soldiers based in Jamestown were recognized by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Sunday, during the mayor's annual Veterans Day Breakfast.

The soldiers of B Troop, 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry, have been serving in New York City as part of the New York National Guard response to Hurricane Sandy.

The soldiers have been distributing supplies to citizens and going door-to-door to check on the health and safety of residents in small houses and high-rise apartments.

Article Photos

U.S. Army National Guard soldiers of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, Jamestown, N.Y., pose in Carl Schurz Park, Manhattan, N.Y. on Sunday. As part of Veterans Day appreciation in the city, the soldiers were invited to see New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as he thanked soldiers for their contribution in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Equite

U.S. Army National Guard Capt. Jeffrey J. Kelley, commander of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, Jamestown, N.Y., and Grand Island, N.Y., native, addresses his soldiers in Manhattan, N.Y. on Sunday.

Bloomberg thanked all of those helping within the community and specifically acknowledged the soldiers of B Troop.

Hurricane Sandy gave the city another reason to thank soldiers on Veterans Day, he said. Soldiers, along with service members from all the branches, responded quickly after the storm devastated parts of New York.

"Thank you," Bloomberg said . "For everything you've done for our city."

Service members sprang into action helping repair and restore the city's infrastructure, Bloomberg said.

"We're absolutely happy to be here," said U.S. Army National Guard Capt. Jeffrey J. Kelley the commander of B Troop.

Kelley said he was proud and impressed by his soldiers' efforts since they were activated and mobilized to Fort Hamilton on Oct. 31.

Almost 4,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from New York, as well as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, West Virginia and Kansas, are on duty in New York and on Long Island to help recover from Hurricane Sandy.

"The soldiers work hard and don't complain," said Kelley, a Grand Island native. "I couldn't ask for a better troop."

U.S. Army National Guard Pvt. Zachary Moore, a mortar man within the troop, was overwhelmed by the mayor's gesture.

"It was nice to meet the mayor and to hear what he felt about what we are doing," said Moore, a Jamestown resident. "It made me feel good when he called us out and thanked us for our hard work."

The soldiers will continue to support Hurricane Sandy relief operations throughout the city knowing that residents are appreciative for their unrelenting efforts.