224th Air Defense Group Recognizes four Airmen during Nov. 28 ceremony
Rome (11/30/2018) — Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of two members of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Held on Nov. 28, the 224th ADG promotion ceremony also recognized two New York Air National Guardsmen who recently earned the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
Promoted Airmen were:
- Jason Taylor, Warners, to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Taylor is the Assistant Director of Operations at the 224th Support Squadron.
- Kyle Kuc, Camden, to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Kuc is a tracking technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron.
The German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) test is a strenuous examination of physical fitness and military skills and the award is one of the few foreign medals U.S. military personnel can wear on their uniforms. The 224th ADG conducted the test in June and two Airmen qualified for the badge. They were:
- Staff Sgt. Caleb Adam, Canastota. Staff Sgt. Adam qualified at the highest level and received the Gold GAFPB.
- Master Sgt. Sean Redden, Camden, earned the Bronze GAFPB.
The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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.
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.
Photographs of these Airmen can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/albums/72157700913967542
Media Attachments
Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, right, received his new rank on Nov. 28 at the 224th Air Defense Group’s promotion ceremony, held at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kerneklian, Operations Director, 224th Support Squadron, served as the promoting officer.
Staff Sgt. Kyle Kuc, right, was promoted on Nov. 28 at the 224th Air Defense Group’s promotion ceremony, held at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. Lt. Col. Joe Roos, Commander, 224th Air Defense Squadron, was the promoting officer.
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- Clifton Park resident Patrick Clare promoted to one-star general in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army National Guard Capt. Danielle Dias, a Wappingers Falls resident, takes command of Army Guard public affairs detachment
- New York National Guard Headquarters Marks Memorial Day with short ceremony
- NY National Guard Maintainers are Runner-ups for Best in Army Guard Medium Units in 2025
- Lt. Col. Eric Fritz, a Webster resident, takes command of New York Army Guard helicopter battalion
- NY Army Guard's 153rd Troop Command presents delayed Purple Heart Medal to former Army MP and Jamestown native Justin Oaks
- Greenville resident Justin Oaks, a graduate of Bradford Area High School, receives long-delayed Purple Heart medal from New York Army National Guard
- Master Sgt. Michael Schin, a Ballston Spa resident, retires after 41 years in the Army National Guard.
- Ten NY Army National Guard Soldiers receive Purple Heart during May 10 ceremony
- Michael C. Costello, a Guilderland resident, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the New York Army National Guard