New York National Guard

Lt. Col. Joseph J. Miller, Jr. of Waterville officially became the commander of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Squadron on Oct. 4 during a ceremony at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. Miller received command from Col. Jennifer L. King, the Commander of the 224th Air Defense Group, who was the ceremony's presiding official. A 1992 graduate of Mount Markham High School in West Winfield, Miller enlisted in the Air Force in February 1996 and served as an enlisted Airman for 11 years. During this time, he worked in financial and travel management, military payroll and as a recruiter. While serving at EADS in 2007, Miller was selected for the Air National Guard officer program and was commissioned through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Tennessee. After commissioning, Miller completed the Undergraduate Air Battle Manager Course at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida and was re-assigned to EADS. Since returning to EADS in 2008, Miller has held nearly every leadership position in the 224th ADS. He has served as the Chief of Weapons and Tactics, a senior director in the weapons section, the Assistant Chief in Exercise and Analysis and Standards and Evaluation. He also served as the assistant flight commander for two different flights. Prior to taking command of the squadron, Miller was the operations director at the 224th ADS. The Eastern Air Defense Sector, headquartered in Rome, New York, is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and is responsible for the air defense of the homeland. The 224th Air Defense Group, an independent, wing-equivalent group of the New York Air National Guard, is located at EADS and provides the forces to conduct the air defense mission. The 224th ADG has several squadrons and detachments. The 224th ADS, the 224th Support Squadron, the 224th Security Forces Squadron and a Royal Canadian Air Force detachment serve in Rome. Two geographically separated units, the 223rd ADS and the National Capital Region Coordination Center detachment, serve in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

ROME, N.Y - A New York Air National Guardsman has been named the National Capital Region Air Defender of the Year by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Master Sgt. Kendrick O. Wilburn, the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Capabilities and Requirements at the 223rd Air Defense Squadron, received the award on May 31 during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Wilburn, an Alexandria, Virginia resident, was one of 20 Air Force and Army personnel recognized at the ceremony. "Being named the best air defender in the Washington, D.C. area is a remarkable accomplishment and I congratulate Master Sgt. Wilburn on this achievement," said Col. Jennifer L. King, 224th Air Defense Group Commander. "The 223rd ADS plays a critical role in the National Capital Region's air defense and it is extremely gratifying to have an outside organization recognize Master Sgt. Wilburn's contributions to that mission." Wilburn earned the award for his leadership, technical expertise and organizational abilities. Among the accomplishments noted by the MDAA were orchestrating Air Combat Command and Air Forces Northern technical conferences, establishing operational and maintenance priorities for a new $16 million camera and surveillance system, and leading 23 tests and developmental events. Wilburn's instructional skills were also noteworthy. He trained and certified 95 Army National Guard soldiers for deployment and organized fitness and mental health initiatives. The Eastern Air Defense Sector, headquartered in Rome, N.Y., is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and is responsible for the air defense of the homeland. The 224th ADG, an independent, wing-equivalent group of the New York Air National Guard, is located at EADS and provides the forces to conduct the air defense mission. The 224th ADG has several squadrons and detachments. The 224th ADS, the 224th Support Squadron, the 224th Security Forces Squadron and a Royal Canadian Air Force detachment serve in Rome. Two geographically separated units, the 223rd ADS and the National Capital Region Coordination Center detachment, serve in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. ###

Col. Jennifer L. King of Prospect, New York became the commander of the 224th Air Defense Group on June 18 during a ceremony at the Eastern Air Defense Sector. King took command from Col. Steven H. Rathmell, who is retiring after 30 years of service. Brig. Gen. Michael W. Bank, the New York Air National Guard commander, was the ceremony's presiding officer. King joined the Air Force in 2003. After completing air battle manager training at Tyndall AFB, Florida, she served with the 965th Air Control Squadron at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, where she was an air weapons officer, air surveillance officer, flight scheduler, and surveillance flight commander. In 2009, King returned to Tyndall AFB as a member of the 325th Air Control Squadron, where she was an instructor air battle manager, operations training officer and executive officer. King joined to the New York Air National Guard in 2011 and was assigned to EADS. Since joining EADS, she has held several positions, including air weapons officer, senior director, mission crew commander, flight commander, operations director and joint interface control officer. As the JICO, King simultaneously worked in the Air Force Command and Control Requirements Office, where she managed advanced sensor integration, integrated fire control, and joint combat identification projects. While serving as a flight commander, King led her team to the Air National Guard's Ground-Based Battle Management Command and Control Crew of the Year award. King has won several individual awards as well. She has been the top graduate or distinguished graduate at six Air Force courses, including Squadron Officer School, and graduated from Air Command and Staff College with outstanding distinction. She has won the Air National Guard Air Battle Manager of the Year and the Continental U.S. NORAD Region Command and Control Warrior of the Year awards. King also received the CONR and NORAD outstanding field grade officer awards in 2021. Prior to taking command of the Air Defense Group, King was the 224th Air Defense Squadron commander. The Eastern Air Defense Sector, headquartered in Rome, N.Y., is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and is responsible for the air defense of the homeland. The 224th ADG, an independent, wing-equivalent group of the New York Air National Guard, is located at EADS and provides the forces to conduct the air defense mission. The 224th ADG has several squadrons and detachments. The 224th ADS, the 224th Support Squadron, the 224th Security Forces Squadron and a Royal Canadian Air Force detachment serve in Rome. Two geographically separated units, the 223rd ADS and the National Capital Region Coordination Center detachment, serve in the Washington, D.C. area. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Maj. Joshua O. Williams from the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Williams, from Remsen, is an Air Battle Manager in the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

New York Air National Guard Colonel Catherine Hutson, 174th Attack Wing Maintenance Group (MXG) Commander from Manlius, New York, retired after 32 years of military service during a ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, N.Y., May 6, 2023. Hutson, an Iraq War veteran, commanded the Maintenance group for nearly seven years. Prior to this role, she served as the Deputy Mission Support Group Commander, the Deputy Maintenance Group Commander, the Aircraft Squadron Commander, the Maintenance Squadron Commander, and the Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander. Former 174th Attack Wing Commander Col. Anthony B. Basile presided over the retirement ceremony, which included speeches, awards, and farewells. Hutson was born in Reston, Va., and received her commission through Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps from Virginia Tech in 1991. Following her commissioning, Colonel Hutson served over seven years on active duty. Her assignments included the Military Personnel Flight at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, the 1st Mission Support Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and the Joint Reception Center at Howard Air Force Base, Panama. At the end of her active duty career, she served as an Air Force ROTC Instructor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Hutson transferred into the Air National Guard in August 1999 and was selected to fill a full-time position with the New York Air National Guard. During her time with the Air National Guard she has served as the wing executive officer and community relations manager, and has held several squadron command positions. In 2008, she served as the Maintenance Officer in Charge of over 250 personnel at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, for the last F-16 combat deployment from the 174th Fighter Wing. During the ceremony, Hutson thanked numerous people, including past commanders who are now general officers, her family, and the young Airmen who are currently serving.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Phillip A. Selle, a Groveland resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance during his deployment to Germany. Selle, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of his assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Selle and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Maj. Patrick A. Winkler, an Alexandria resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Europe. Winkler, a military intelligence officer currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, received the New York Army National Guard Commanding General's Award for Excellence challenge coin on Nov. 22, 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission.

New York Air National Guard Col. William McCrink, commander of the 174th Attack Wing based in Syracuse, N.Y. recently recognized 43 Airmen for their support of the historic Christmas 2022 blizzard response in Buffalo. McCrink praised the Airmen for their dedication to serving their community and their willingness to volunteer to leave their families during the holidays in order to help others. All members were given an official wing challenge coin by McCrink in recognition of their service. The first element to response from the 174th Attack Wing was a snow removal team from the 174th Civil Engineering Squadron. Led by Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Lawton and equipped with a snow blower designed for runway clearance. The team arrived in Buffalo on December 24 at the height of the storm. Over the course of three days, Lawton's team covered 91 miles and removed 84 thousand tons of snow. On Christmas Day, December 25, a debris clearance team departed Hancock Field and assisted Erie County in a variety of missions during a six-day period. Airmen conducted snow removal, supported search and rescue operations and assisted with the recovery of stranded vehicles. A second group of Airmen from the 174th also deployed December 25 to assist with general purpose taskings. These Airmen provided transportation for 124 medical personnel to and from work, rescued 35 stranded motorists, completed 137 door-to-door wellness checks, and handed out dozens of cases of food and water to Buffalo residents. The 174th Attack Wing was founded in 1947 and was the first Air National Guard unit in New York. The wing currently flies the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft on missions around the world from a control facility at Hancock Field. The wing also trains all MQ-9 maintenance technicians for the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve while providing qualification training for MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Vanessa E. Morales, a Rochester resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Morales, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Morales and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Kathleen E. Delage, a Campville resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Delage, a human resources specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Kathleen and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Kathleen is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Penny M. Eddy, a Grand Island resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Eddy, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Eddy and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Desirie H. Carson, a North Rose resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Carson, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received two Army Achievement Medals on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering more than 4,000 seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area, and for her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Desire and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Desire is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Laura D. Barlow, a Conroe, Texas, native has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Barlow, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Barlow and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Stacey A. Hart, a Cheektowaga resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Hart, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received two Army Achievement Medals on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering more than 4,000 seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area, and for her contributions to the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission. "Our support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would not be a success without the tireless efforts of Hart and Soldiers like her serving on this mission," said Col. William Murphy, commander of Task Force Orion. "Hart is a great reflection of the character and ability we look for in the New York National Guard at home and on deployment overseas." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Vanessa J. Mercado, a Buffalo resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Mercado, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Mercado and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

New York Army National Guard Spc. Sheldon J. Harden, a Windsor resident, has been recognized for outstanding performance while deployed to Germany. Harden, a combat medic specialist currently deployed to Germany with Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, received the Army Achievement Medal on Jan. 13, 2023 in recognition of his assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to Soldiers and civilians assigned to the Grafenwoehr Training Area. "Harden and the Task Force Orion medics helped administer more than 4,000 flu shots for the greater Grafenwoehr Training Area this past fall," said 1st Lt. Kristjana McCarthy, Task Force Orion medical operations officer. "Their dedication to the protection of this military community's health helped ensure the success of countless missions at a critical time." Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission since early August 2022. The unit ensures the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States' Presidential Drawdown Authority. Army National Guard awards are presented to Soldiers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and are based on performance, attitude, and leadership ability. These awards recognize the best-qualified individuals and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.