NY National Guard performs 10,000 military funerals in 2012
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By LUKE FUNK, Senior Web Producer -
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
The New York Army National Guard's Honor Guard reports that it will perform about 10,200 military funerals in 2012.
New York is home to a large number of Korean War and Vietnam War veterans.
According to the United States Census Bureau there are 950,000 veterans in New York. Almost half are age 65 or older, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Of these veterans, 306,000 served in the Vietnam War era and 170,000 have served in the Persian Gulf region since 1990.
There have been more than 10,000 military funerals a year in the state since 2007.
The number of World War II veterans whose families were taking advantage of honor guard services peaked a couple of years ago. So the overall number of funerals for that era's veterans is declining.
Any veteran, with an honorable discharge, whether they served during peacetime or wartime, whether they retired or not, is entitled to military honors at their funeral.
The 50 New York Army National Guard Soldiers who work full-time with the Honor Guard, along with 40 who perform duty on a part-time basis, work from nine offices located across New York.
Federal law requires that at least two honor guard members be present to play taps, fold and present a flag to the next of kin for all former soldiers when requested by the family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:47:40 GMT
The National Weather Service has extended a tornado warning for northwestern Sullivan County in central New York. The warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended a tornado warning for northwestern Sullivan County in central New York. The warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m. Anyone in the path of the tornado, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room away from windows.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:10 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:10:21 GMT
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:42:24 GMT
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:25:20 GMT
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:58 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:58:10 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:05:54 GMT
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:42:18 GMT
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
