Westhampton Beach resident James Nizza ends Air National Guard career after 32-years of military service
Westhampton Beach, New York (02/06/2024) — New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. James S. Nizza, a Westhampton Beach resident, closed a 32-year military career during a retirement ceremony held on Feb. 3 at the 106th Rescue Wing Firehouse at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.
Nizza is a veteran of deployments to Panama, Honduras, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq in support of Operation Northern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.
He last served as the 106th Fire Department chief.
Lt. Col. Kevin Carrick, the 106th Mission Support Group deputy commander, and presiding official of the ceremony, praised Nizza for his service and leadership over the years.
"As the fire protection superintendent of the wing, Chief Nizza took on the responsibility of planning, organizing and directing all fire protection activities for our unit," Carrick said. "His dedication to the safety and well-being of our personnel, the protection of property and the environment has been unwavering."
In his remarks, Nizza thanked the wing leadership, his children, fellow Airmen, and friends for their backing over the years.
"I am deeply grateful for the endless support I've received," Nizza said. "Without the trust and empowerment granted by our commanders and chiefs, my achievements at the 106th would not have been possible."
He also thanked his children, Peter and Joseph, for their understanding and support, promising to make up for the moments missed.
"My deployments and (temporary duties) have taken me away from you guys," Nizza continued. "I'm glad that now I have the time to spend with you and hopefully we can make some of that up."
During the ceremony, Nizza was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service, the Air Force Certificate of Retirement, the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, and the Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force and was placed on the U.S. Air Force Reserve Retired list.
In civilian life, Nizza has been an active volunteer in the Center Moriches Fire Department serving as a company officer and chief. He also serves as the deputy chief instructor of the Suffolk County Fire Academy responsible for the training and development of over 10,000 volunteer fire personnel.
In closing, Nizza said, "The 106th is a close-knit family and a great place to work, continue to nurture and support this family environment."
The 106th operates the HC-130J search and rescue aircraft and the HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopter and provides personnel recovery to the state of New York and deployed operations that it's tasked to support.
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Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kevin Carrick, left, the deputy commander of the 106th Mission Support Group of the 106th Rescue Wing, presents a certificate of retirement to Chief Master Sgt. James S. Nizza, during his retirement ceremony at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach on, Feb. 3, 2024. Nizza served at the 106th Rescue Wing for 32 years and received the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service and contributions in keeping America safe. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Sarah McKernan)