Massena Senior Nathaniel Addison Sworn in to New York Army National Guard in Ceremony at SUNY Potsdam

Future SUNY Potsdam Student Nathaniel Addison of Massena, NY, Sworn in to New York Army National Guard as Part of Guaranteed Acceptance Program

Potsdam, NY (09/12/2025) — Massena High School senior Nathaniel Addison took a significant step toward his future this week, as he was officially sworn into the New York Army National Guard. During the ceremony, held on the SUNY Potsdam campus on Wednesday, Sept. 10, Addison raised his right hand and took the oath of enlistment, pledging to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of New York against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The oath was administered by 2nd Lt. William Jadlos.

Addison will serve as a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, a critical support role within the Guard. Upon graduating from high school and completing Army Basic Training this summer, Addison plans to attend SUNY Potsdam, where he will utilize 100 percent state tuition assistance. Through SUNY Potsdam's guaranteed acceptance program for National Guard members, Addison will seamlessly transition into his college education while continuing to serve his state and country.

"It will be a bit of a help toward finances. I just always thought this would be fun and challenging as well. I just like a challenge," Addison said.

Addison is the son of Allan Addison and Heather LaJoy.

"One weekend a month, he will drill with us, with other recruiters and other people who are waiting to go to basic training. We're going to train him physically and mentally for basic training, and kind of get him a foot in the door before he goes. Then, after he returns from training, he will go right to his unit," Sgt. Seguin said.

Since the Guard opened its doors for the local recruiting office in its new SUNY Potsdam location in Morey Hall last year, Staff Sgt. Jake Seguin has recruited 18 new members and met with many more individuals about the opportunity to become an enlisted soldier or commissioned officer. The office is open to anyone interested in a career with the Guard.

Thanks to a new guaranteed acceptance program with SUNY Potsdam, Guard members also have the additional opportunity to receive tuition assistance, access student loan repayment programs, receive paid skills training and benefit from low-cost family healthcare plans-allowing them to study and serve at the same time.

Participants in the program are able to substantially reduce the cost of attendance, thanks to generous benefits, including free tuition and additional G.I. Bill benefits of up to $385 per month for signing a six-year National Guard contract. The Guard also offers signing bonuses of up to $20,000 for critical career fields. Participants may also choose to cross-register to complete the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program through neighboring Clarkson University, to receive an additional $420 per month and put themselves on a career path to become an officer.

In addition to the guaranteed admission program with the New York National Guard, SUNY Potsdam supports a longstanding Army and Air Force ROTC partnership along with Clarkson University, and special benefits for veterans and military-affiliated students, such as priority class registration, possible credit for military training/experience, in-state tuition, free parking, recreational facilities fee waivers, and printing, a dedicated lounge, and more.

To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/military.

For more information on the New York Army National Guard, visit www.nationalguard.com/new-york.

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