LATHAM--LATHAM, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Major General Ray Shields was ceremonially recognized as the 54th Adjutant General of New York during a short ceremony Friday, Oct. 19, at the New York National Guard headquarters.
Shields, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan who has served 35 years in the Army National Guard, replaces Major General Anthony German, an Air National Guard officer, who was named adjutant general in April 2016.
German will serve as a traditional National Guard officer in Washington, D.C. before retiring after 35-years of military service later this year.
"Major General Raymond F. Shields, Jr. is an outstanding leader who has distinguished himself in service overseas and played a key role in the New York National Guard's response to weather emergencies across the state and the nation," Governor Cuomo said.
"His wealth of experience and knowledge in military affairs makes him the ideal candidate to lead the nearly 20,000 men and women who serve in our state's military forces and serve the people of New York," the governor added.
“I thank Major General Anthony German for his service as Adjutant General and his many contributions to New York,” the governor added. “He truly embodies the service and leadership that the National Guard stands for and I wish him the best in this next chapter."
German, who left the position on Oct. 1, transferred the flag of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs from himself to Shields in a traditional change-of-command ceremony.
As Adjutant General, Shields will lead New York’s military forces which include the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard. General Shields has been serving as Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the 10,000 member New York Army National Guard since 2016.
New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul presided over the ceremony.
In her remarks she thanked German for his service and said that Governor Cuomo had faith in Shield’s ability to take on the job.
“I know you are battle-tested and you are prepared for the challenges,” Hochul said.
Hochul also expressed the thanks of state leaders for the service of the members of the New York National Guard and New York’s state forces, the Naval Militia and the New York Guard.
“I want to convey the gratitude of 20 million New Yorkers who sleep more soundly at night knowing that you are there to serve,” Hochul said.
“Not one minute of your service is taken for granted,” she added.
In his remarks German emphasized the importance of family.
Soldiers and Airmen depend on the support of their family to let them serve, German said. There’s also a National Guard family of those who serve together and Guard Airmen and Soldiers need to look out for each other, he emphasized.
Every Soldier, Airman and civilian employee plays a part in the success of the New York National Guard, German said.
“The great part of this job has been meeting each and every one of you,” German told the more than 400 service members and guests who attended.
"I am truly honored by the confidence that Governor Cuomo has shown in me and I look forward to working with the men and women of the New York National Guard, the Naval Militia and the New York Guard to improve readiness and our ability to provide emergency response when called on by the governor," Shields said.
German has set the New York National Guard up for success and he is looking forward to the coming years, Shields said.
“Any success that General German or I have had it because of you,” Shields told the audience.
Shields, a resident of Saratoga Springs, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the New York Army National Guard through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program in May of 1983 after graduating from the State University of New York at Albany.
He has served in a variety of military positions to include platoon leader, infantry company commander, battalion staff officer, battalion commander, brigade staff officer, brigade executive officer and deputy commander, brigade chief of staff, New York Army National Guard chief of staff and New York National Guard Director of Joint Staff.
Shields served in Afghanistan in 2008/2009 as chief of staff for the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a NATO training mission which was led by the 27th Brigade.
During his service Shields has been involved in the New York National Guard response to Superstorm Sandy, several snowstorms, Lake Ontario flood control missions, and the New York National Guard response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017 and the Hurricane Florence and Michael missions earlier this year.
Shields holds a bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY Albany; a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College.
His military education includes the Army Strategic Education Program, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, the National Security Studies Management Course at Syracuse University, the Army Senior Leader Development Program, and the General and Flag Officer Homeland Security Executive Seminar taught by Harvard University.
Shields’ awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
The New York Military Forces consist of the 10,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the 5,800 members of the New York Air National Guard, the 2,500 people who serve in the New York Naval Militia and the 500 members of the New York Guard, the state’s volunteer self-defense force.