New York National Guard

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of New York Air National Guard Col. Misty Looney, commander of the 174th Attack Wing Medical group, who was promoted to the rank of colonel during a promotion ceremony held on September 9, 2023 at Hancock Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, N.Y. Col. Looney assumed command of the 174th Medical group in May 2023, after serving since May 2021 as the Chief of the Public Health and Prevention branch of the Office of the Air Surgeon, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Looney enlisted in the United States Navy in 1989 as a Hull Maintenance Technician, and then went on to pursue a Veterinary Medicine degree. She graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2004, and then returned to service in the Air Force as a Public Health Officer. After completing an active-duty tour, Looney joined the Mississippi Air National Guard, serving with the 186th Air Refueling Wing and the 172nd Airlift Wing. Recently, she held duty assignments involving Covid support operations at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and was the Site Medical Lead in Gulfport, Mississippi. Looney has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal, among others.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff Sgt. Robert Kraeger on July 13, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff Sgt. Robert Kraeger, Boonville, is a Materials Management journeyman at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 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 (EADS) 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.

Rome, N.Y. -- Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Paul M. Bishop to the rank of Brigadier General. Bishop serves as the New York Air National Guard Chief of Staff. The promotion ceremony took place on Sep. 6 at the Capitol Theatre in Rome. Maj. Gen. Denise M. Donnell, New York State Air National Guard Commander, was the ceremony's presiding officer. A life-long resident of nearby Oriskany, Bishop has a lengthy association with the former Griffiss Air Force Base, now the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, where EADS is located. The son of an active-duty Airman stationed at Griffiss in the 1970s, Bishop's mother also worked on the base. The new Commander's first job as a teenager was bagging groceries at the Griffiss commissary and he has served at EADS for the past 29 years. Bishop is a 1989 U.S. Air Force basic training graduate with more than 30 years' experience in the Air National Guard. His first assignment was at the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, where he was an F-16 avionics maintenance specialist. In 1991, he deployed with the 174th to Al Kharj Air Base, Saudi Arabia, for Operation Desert Storm. In 1993, Bishop transferred to the 113th Air Control Squadron (ACS) in Syracuse and subsequently received his commission through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. He then completed Weapons Director training at Tyndall AFB. In 1994, Bishop moved to Rome when the 113th ACS assumed the NORAD mission at the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS). During the past 29 years, Bishop has worked more than 31,000 mission crew hours and held several leadership positions. He holds numerous Air Battle Management qualifications including Battle Commander, Mission Crew Commander, Weapons Director, Weapons Director Technician, Weapons Assignment Officer, and Senior Director. Bishop has played a key role in several critical projects during his time at EADS. He helped plan and implement NEADS transition into the Eastern Air Defense Sector, a change that more than doubled the unit's geographic area of responsibility. Bishop planned and executed the first-ever live-fly exercise in the Washington, D.C. area that integrated NORAD fighter planes with U.S. Army ground-based air defense assets and supervised an analysis project that devised a new work schedule to reduce crew fatigue. Prior to taking over as Chief of Staff, Bishop was the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) Commander. During his time at EADS, he has also served as the 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) Commander, 224th Support Squadron Commander, 224th Air Defense Squadron Operations Director, Flight Commander, Assistant Flight Commander, and Weapons Section Officer-in-Charge. A 1998 graduate of Columbia College, Bishop has completed the Squadron Officers Course at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He has also completed Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. 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. ###

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 Air 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 Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Master Sgt. Matthew Musumeci on Aug. 5, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Master Sgt. Matthew Musumeci, from Whitesboro, N.Y., is a Systems Operations technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 224th Support Squadron, 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 (EADS) 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.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff Sgt. Thomas Carlson on July 18, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff Sgt. Thomas Carlson, from Yorkville, N.Y., is a Mission Systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 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 (EADS) 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.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff. Sgt. Zachary Houle on Aug. 7, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff. Sgt. Zachary Houle, from Rome, N.Y., is a Security Forces journeyman at the 224th Security Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 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 (EADS) 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.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff Sgt. Rasheed Brooks on Aug. 23, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff Sgt. Rasheed Brooks, from Rome, N.Y., is a Security Forces journeyman at the 224th Security Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 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 (EADS) 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.

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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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. 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.