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    N.Y. National Guard Supports Annual SAIGE Training in Niagara Falls

    N.Y. National Guard Supports Annual SAIGE Training in Niagara Falls

    Photo By Ryan Campbell | Brig. Gen. John Andonie, director of joint staff for the New York National Guard,...... read more read more

    NIAGARA FALLS, NY, UNITED STATES

    06.20.2019

    Story by Ryan Campbell  

    New York National Guard

    NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., (June 20, 2019) – The New York National Guard was at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino supporting the Society of American Indian Government Employees during their annual National Training Program, where more than 300 people attended, during June 10-14, 2019.

    More than 100 civilians, Service Members, students and veterans attended the week-long event which focused on professional development, leadership and topics that are important to what is known as the Federal Indian Trust Responsibility. Members of the New York National Guard delivered presentations during the week, as well as participated in presenting awards for military service.

    The mission of SAIGE is to promote the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native government employees, and work to ensure their equal treatment under the law.

    “The support we have been providing to the SAIGE conference and the NGB diversity office has been positive,” said Army Brig. Gen. John Andonie, director of joint staff for the New York National Guard. “We have managed to have members of our leadership at many of the training sessions.”

    Andonie, who delivered a presentation and awards during the conference, explained how happy he was at seeing how many benefits, opportunities and recruitment initiatives were presented during the conference. The Service Members that were involved did a tremendous job promoting not just the National Guard, but the military as a whole, while gaining greater awareness on diversity, he added.

    “This is a national event and it rotates where they have it every year,” said Army Lt. Col. Monique Foster, state equal employment manager for the New York National Guard. “SAIGE then partners with the National Guard Bureau’s office of diversity and inclusion to put on these events.”

    Foster said that the New York National Guard worked closely with the office of diversity to directly support the conference over the course of the week. With her were two other New York National Guard special emphasis program managers, Air Force Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Campbell and Army 1st Sgt. Lamont Pugh.

    “The interaction with SAIGE has been really great,” said Foster. “It’s amazing that they want to share their culture, and there are a lot of veterans here and it’s great to hear their stories and the stories of everyone else.”

    The benefit for New York according to Foster, is that it is a great opportunity to get to know the youth and tribal leaders, to learn about the culture and make partnerships, as well as recruitment.

    “The New York National Guard is probably one of the most diverse military organizations out of the 54 states and territories,” said Andonie. “We have a lot of talent and potential within our ranks and a lot of that comes from the very diverse populations within New York.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.20.2019
    Date Posted: 06.20.2019 15:44
    Story ID: 328532
    Location: NIAGARA FALLS, NY, US

    Web Views: 119
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN