National Guard celebrates 388th anniversary

LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The United States National Guard celebrated the organization's 388th birthday on Friday. The ceremony took place at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham.

It marks the day the first militia in North America was organized in Massachusetts in 1636. As is tradition, the longest serving member of the guard joined the newest recruit in a cake cutting ceremony.

This year, Master Sgt. Michael Schin, of Ballston Spa, got the honor.

"I joined October 1983," he said. "There are so many doors that have been opened because of what I do for the Army, and the people that I've met and the missions we have done have just opened so many doors and opportunities."

Currently, there are over 11,000 members of the New York Army National Guard and nearly 6,000 members of the New York Air National Guard.