  The realization of a long-distance, distributed quantum network based on
quantum memory nodes that are linked by photonic channels remains an
outstanding challenge. We propose a quantum network node based on neutral
alkali atoms coupled to nanophotonic crystal cavities that combines a
long-lived memory qubit with a photonic interface at the telecom range, thereby
enabling the long-distance distribution of entanglement over low loss optical
fibers. We present a novel protocol for the generation of an atom-photon
entangled state which uses telecom transitions between excited states of the
alkali atoms. We analyze the realistic implementation of this protocol using
rubidium and cesium atoms taking into account the full atomic level structure
and properties of the nanophotonic crystal cavity. We find that a high fidelity
entangled state can be generated with current technologies
