East Moriches resident retires from Air National Guard after 32 years of service

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Mosher was involved in saving 1,807 lives during his years assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing

Westhampton Beach, New York (11/07/2024) — Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, N.Y.-- New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Brian Mosher, an East Moriches resident, finished his 32-year military career with a retirement ceremony at the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on November 2, 2024.

Mosher, who began his military career in the Marine Corps in 1992, has served in the 106th Rescue Wing since 1997. He has been a full-time Pararescue Man in the 103rd Rescue Squadron since 2001.

During his time at the 106th, Mosher was directly involved in or supported operations that ultimately saved 1,807 lives.

Mosher planned and executed combat and humanitarian operations in support of national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Additionally, he participated in NASA Space Shuttle launches, civil search and rescue domestic operations, including long-range open ocean rescue missions, Hurricane Katrina, and the World Trade Center Recovery in 2001.

Mosher last served as the senior enlisted leader of the 106th Operations Group.

Colonel Jeffrey Cannet, 106th wing commander, and the presiding official at this retirement ceremony, praised Mosher for his service and leadership over the years.

"It takes a special person to dedicate themselves to the service of others, to invest an entire career perfecting their ability to respond to any situation, all while knowing those skills might not ever get called upon," said Cannet.

"Without fail, Chief would keep the best interests of our Airmen, our mission, and our future at the center of his workday," Cannet said.

In his remarks, Mosher thanked the wing leadership, distinguished guests, his friends and family and his wife Amy, for their support throughout the years.

"Amy, the real chief in the house, definitely the rock of the family, as most military wives are," said Mosher. "You have sacrificed so much for me and this mission in the last 25 years, I owe you everything and you owe me nothing, because you already gave it all."

During the ceremony, Mosher was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service, the Air Force Certificate of Retirement and the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation.

Mosher closed his remarks with a quote from U.S. Army General Colin Powell:"The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them," Mosher said.

"This is a failure of leadership and it means soldiers have either lost confidence in your ability to help them or they have concluded that you don't care. I charge you to remember that quote every time an Airman knocks on your door with a problem." Mosher added.

After joining the Marine Corps Mosher was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C. and served in 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division for four years.

During that time Mosher Attended Airborne, Combat Dive and ARMY High-Level Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape schools and Supported Operations Provide Promise and Decisive Endeavor from the Adriatic Sea.

In 1996, he was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and embarked on a career with the United States Customs Service.

A year later, Mosher decided to enlist in the New York Air National Guard, becoming a pararescueman while continuing his full-time career as a Customs agent.

In 2001, he left his position with the U.S. Customs Service and began full-time as a Pararescueman with the 103rd Rescue Squadron.

The 106th Rescue Wing, based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, and the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.

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