FORT HAMILTON, N.Y. – New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg honors U.S. Army National Guardsmen during a Veterans Day celebration in Manhattan, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2012.
Bloomberg thanked all of those helping within the community and specifically acknowledged the soldiers of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, out of Jamestown, N.Y.
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.
Service members sprang into action helping repair and restore the city’s infrastructure, said Bloomberg.
In fact, the soldiers have lead various relief operations to include overseeing point of distribution sites – giving out food, water and supplies – and leading door-to-door health checks with first responders throughout the city.
“We’re absolutely happy to be here,” said U.S. Army National Guard Capt. Jeffrey J. Kelley, commander of B. Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, Jamestown, N.Y.
Kelley is proud and impressed by his soldiers’ efforts since they were activated and mobilized to Fort Hamilton, Oct. 31, 2012.
“The soldiers work hard and don’t complain,” said Kelley, a Grand Island, N.Y., 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, N.Y., native. “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.
“Thank you,” said Bloomberg. “For everything you’ve done for our city.”