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SYRACUSE , N.Y. -- A New York Army National Guard Soldier and six civilians-including one Canadian citizen-- will receive the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal in a ceremony Saturday afternoon at 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters here.
The seven are being recognized for their heroism in rescuing New York Army National Guard Capt. Timothy Neild from a fiery vehicle crash on Dec. 9, 2013, on the New York State Thruway.
Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony.
WHO:
• Sgt. John Tirinato, of Castleton, who will also receive the Soldiers Medal;
• Thomas Buckle of Syracuse;
• Kevin Harrigan of Syracuse;
• Sherry Kline of Syracuse,
• Joseph Krywalski of Liverpool;
• Dr. Christopher Sewell of Woodbridge, Conn.;
• and Kevin Shier of Toronto, Ontario.
WHAT: New York State Conspicuous Service Medal Ceremony. The award is normally presented to members of the New York Army and Air National Guard but civilian who render service to New York's military forces are eligible to receive it as well.
WHEN: 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014
WHERE: 27th BCT Drill Floor, 6900 Thompson Road, Syracuse. (Access through Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Main Gate)
Media Opportunity:
Video and still imagery of the military awards ceremony with brigade members in formation. Members of the media will have the opportunity to interview award recipients, Soldiers and 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team leaders.
For news media access to the 27th BDE military installation, media must contact Maj. Al Phillips from the 27th BDE Public Affairs Office, 315-438-3035
Reporters must report to the main entrance gate at 16:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, and provide photo identification, vehicle registration and a copy of this media advisory for access onto Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. Media will link up with Maj. Al Phillips or Spc. Alexander Rector at the entry gate.
Background:
The New York Conspicuous Service Medal
The Conspicuous Service Medal may be awarded to any individual who shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service in a capacity of great responsibility. The service can be performed while in an active status by a member of the New York State Organized Militia, by a civilian in support of the New York State Organized Militia, or to other individuals who have provided support to the New York State Organized Militia and deemed appropriate by The Adjutant General.
The Soldiers Medal
The award is presented to members of the United States Army who engage in an act of heroism not involved in conflict with an enemy.
The Incident on Dec. 9, 2013
New York Army National Capt. Timothy Nield, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, was on his way to training at the Thompson Road Armory, at Hancock Field on Dec. 9, 2013, when his pickup swerved off the Thruway in the Town of DeWitt and collided with a bridge. As his truck burst into flames, a small group of motorists pulled over and tried to help. Neild, age 33 from Duanesburg, was pinned in the truck. The door was jammed.
One of the rescuers was Sgt. 1st Class Ray Presley of the National Guard, a truck driver who stopped to lend a hand - and had no idea, until he ran to the scene that the man trapped in the vehicle was his captain. Presley was awarded the Soldiers Medal for his actions this past spring. Presley was assisted by the seven individuals being awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal on Oct. 18.
The rescuers freed Tim and dragged him away. About 30 seconds later, the interior of the truck burst into flames. A short time later, it exploded.
Neild had internal injuries, two broken legs and slammed his head in the collision. He did not regain consciousness, for about two weeks. He has spent the remaining time in rehabilitation in the Albany Capitol region.
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.17.2014 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 145341 |
| Location: | SYRACUSE, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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