Saluting New York’s heroes at Fort Hamilton’s Family Day

On July 13th, members of the 88^th Brigade of the New York National Guard honored those who serve for their work in their respective communities and for New York State with its annual Family Day at Fort Hamilton Army Base. “It was a great event and we recognized soldiers who went above and beyond the line of duty,” said Sergeant John Berger of New York Guard’s 88^th Brigade. The soldiers brought their families for a day of entertainment, drinks and a barbecue. The volunteer troops were honored for their work during crises such as Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene. The members of the Guard help out in various roles ranging from flood rescues to getting supplies to locations that need them.The Brigade also honored several individuals with awards, including Major Peter Morici (Ret. who received the New York State Medal of Honor. Other awards went to Berger himself for recruiting and for his 10 years of service, as well as Wo1 Johnny W. Velez for his five years of service. “It’s important to recognize those who give up so much of their time to help others,” said Berger.