1st Lt. Rachid Kabbabe , a Middle Village, Queens resident, takes command of Staten Island Army National Guard company
Staten Island, NY (07/22/2020) — New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Rachid Kabbabe, a resident of Middle Village, Queens, assumed command of the Staten Island-based 145th Maintenance Company during a ceremony at the Manor Road Armory on Staten Island on July 20.
The company's Soldiers specialize in the repair of military vehicles, generators, and other critical equipment.
Kabbabe's military career began in 2007 when he enlisted in the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, which is based in Westhampton Beach. Kabbabe served as a special vehicle mechanic and a fuels technician during his service in the Air National Guard.
In 2015 he transferred to the New York Army National Guard and then attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 2016 as an Ordnance Officer.
After completing Ordnance Officer Basic he was assigned as a platoon leader and maintenance control officer with the 145th. He became the company's executive officer in August 2019.
He also serves as a leader in the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield which augments law enforcement at transportation hubs in New York City.
Kabbabe is a graduate of the State University of New York, Stony Brook and holds a bachelor's degree in American History.
His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Air Force NCO Professional Education Graduate Ribbon, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Media Attachments
Lt. Col. Todd Balog, the commander of the 369th Special Troops Battalion, passes the guideon of the 145th Maintenance Company to 1st Lt. Rachid Kabbabe, incoming commander of the company, during a change of command ceremony at the Staten Island armory, N.Y., July. 20, 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pietrantoni)
New York National Guard
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