CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, New York --New York Army National Guard Col Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna resident, assumed command of the 5,100 Soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command during a Sunday, January 11, 2026 ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill.
Lefton, who previously commanded the New York Army Guard’s 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and served as State Army Aviation Officer, replaced Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith who is retiring after 37 years of service.
The 53rd Troop Command is one of the New York Army National Guard’s two general officer commands, and has units located across the state.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, said that Lefton is the right person to replace a proven leader like...
01.13.2026 | CAMP SMITH, NEW YORK, US |
Story by Sgt. Rosa Ibarra and Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn
