Pvt. Gabriel Santana of Canton recently completed New York Army National Guard basic combat training and advanced individual training, culminating in a ceremony Aug. 7.

The ceremony, held at the Auburn Armory, marks the start of training with a new unit, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

The ceremony also marks completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, “a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training,” according to a press release.

The soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service.

"The handoff ceremony marks the introduction of our new soldiers to their unit and receiving new shoulder insignia, highlighting the start of their military service here in New York to serve state and nation," said Major General Anthony P. German, the adjutant general of New York.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.