Pvt. Morgan Greer of Lawrence and Pvt. Spencer Mayette of Ogdensburg recently completed Army basic combat training and advanced individual training with the New York Army National Guard.

They were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle “handoff ceremony,” according to a press release.

Greer was welcomed into the 1427th Transportation Company during the transition ceremony at the Auburn Armory.

Mayette was welcomed into the Company B, 2-108th Infantry during the ceremony.

The ceremony marks completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills related to their initial military training.

The soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part time “Citizen Soldiers,” the release said.

"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," Major General Anthony P. German said. "I congratulate these soldiers for their initial accomplishments in training as their first milestone of a career as a Citizen Soldier."

"Every soldier or airman in every unit across our state plays an important role in defending our homeland and serving our nation. We welcome these newest Citizen Soldiers as part of our New York National Guard family," he said.

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