PROUD MOMENT — Col. Raymond Atkinson presents PEF member Yatram Bruce Jagroop with the Defense for Liberty Medal at Camp Smith in September, 2002. Yatram is a command sergeant major for the 12th Training Regiment and an occupational and environmental safety specialist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He was recently honored as the 2004 New York Guard Soldier of the Year.
Roswell Park member named NY Guard Soldier of the Year
By DEBORAH A. MILES
From preparing for national disasters to practicing drills for homeland security, the role of the New York National Guard soldier has expanded since September 11.
One PEF member stands out among this group of dedicated people, Yatram Bruce Jagroop. His highly disciplined nature has led him to a top honor — the 2004 New York Guard Soldier of the Year award.
A native of Trinidad, Jagroop moved to the U.S. at age 30 and has worked his way through the NY National Guard ranks to become a command sergeant major for the 12th Training Regiment based at Camp Smith near Peekskill.
He received the honor for his outstanding U.S. military record in both active and reserve service spanning 14 years and nine years in foreign service. Jagroop was presented the award in May at the Western New York Armed Forces ceremony in Buffalo.
“This is something you look forward to once in a lifetime,” Jagroop said. “I was very happy to receive the award. It is a very distinguished honor.”
“It doesn’t surprise me Bruce was selected,” said PEF Region 1 Coordinator Joyce Degenhardt, who knows Jagroop as a PEF steward and in his civilian role as an occupational and environmental safety specialist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
“He’s a meticulous individual, works well with people and gives more than 100 percent at whatever he does,” Degenhardt said.
Ensuring job safety
At Roswell, Jagroop ensures safe working practices by inspecting laboratories and hospitals, responding to chemical spills, and managing hazardous materials. He also tests hospital personnel on the proper use of protective respirators.
“It’s important the doctors don’t become contaminated, so I train them to wear their respirators correctly and also check for any leakage,” Jagroop said.
Protecting his country
Although his state job is rewarding to him, Jagroop finds personal satisfaction by making a difference in the military. He said the training he supervises involves search and rescue techniques for soldiers in noncommissioned officers’ school.
The majority of the training takes place at Camp Smith. He also trains at Fort Drum where the focus is on how to mobilize troops and practice emergency-preparedness drills in the event of another terrorist attack in the U.S.
Some specifics of Jagroop’s service are classified, but he has received many awards.
“I am most proud of my Defense of Liberty Medal,” Jagroop said, an honor he earned for his participation in the response to the September 11, 2001 disaster. He was the sergeant major assigned to Task Force Hudson and secured buildings around the attack site such as warehouses for food and supplies.
“We did what was needed during that unforgettable time,” he said.
His awards also include medals for Meritorious Service, Commendation, Achievement, Good Conduct, Long and Faithful Service, Recruiting, and Aid to Civil Authority.
The
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