Walkill resident honored after 41 year career in New York Air National Guard

Newburgh, New York (04/25/2023) — New York Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Denis Ritosa, a Walkill resident, ended his 41-year Air Force career during a retirement ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Newburgh on April 2.

Ritosa joined the 105th in 1982 when it was the 105th Tactical Air Support Group with the mission of flying OA-2 Super Skymaster aircraft used to direct fighter bomber attacks. At that time the unit was based at the Westchester County Airport.

The 105th Airlift Wing moved to Stewart Air National Guard Base in 1983 and transitioned to an airlift wing. Ritosa was the last member of the wing who had served at the previous location.

Ritosa started his career as an aerospace ground equipment apprentice and was responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment that supplies electricity, hydraulic pressure and air pressure to the planes.

Over the next four decades Ritosa would go on to serve as a crew chief, flying crew chief, expediter and finally production superintendent. As the production superintendent, Ritosa was responsible for squadron maintenance production and directed the overall maintenance effort of the 105th.

Ritosa's career saw the 105th transition from the Cessna O-2 Skymaster to the C-5A Galaxy and finally the C-17A Globemaster III.

"The Stewart tail flash has been pumping in his blood for over 40 years. He has been the driving force behind maintenance at Stewart," said Lt. Col. Eric L. Durkins, II, commander of the 105th Maintenance Squadron, who presided over the ceremony.

"Your efforts directly contributed to every airlift operation this wing has been a part of for the last 40 years. Whether it's carrying service trucks back to New York in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, to thousands of young Afghani children who have a better way of life because they flew on one of these planes," Durkins told Ritosa during the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Denise Donnell, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Gary R. Charlton II, commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, Col. Kristopher R. Geis, commander of the 105th Maintenance Group, as well as the friends Ritosa made during his career.

Ritosa was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal and letter of appreciation for his professional conduct and leadership. An American flag was also presented to the retiring member by his son, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ritosa, as a traditional symbol of a long and dedicated service to our nation.

Ritosa thanked his wife Mary, sons Nicholas and Logan, and daughter Sabrina for their support during his tenure at the 105th.

He also thanked the men and women and that he served alongside during his many years of military service and left them with a parting message.

"Take pride in what you do, as I did," said Ritosa. "It wasn't just a job, I lived it day in and day out. I truly loved my job. It's tough to walk away but I know the chapter must close. So, with that I say to you aim high and Godspeed to all of you at the 105th."

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