Ballston Spa resident and Iraq War Veteran promoted to colonel in NY Army National Guard

Latham, NY (09/14/2020) — New York Army National Guard Col. Pete Mehling, a Ballston Spa resident and Iraq War veteran, received his new rank during a promotion ceremony at the Joint Force Headquarters in Latham on September 12, 2020.

Major General Raymond Shields, the Adjutant General for the New York and commander of the New York Army National Guard, officiated the ceremony.

Mehling, a career artillery officer, serves full-time as the Director of Logistics for the New York Army National Guard at the state headquarters.

"We put a combat arms officer in charge of logistics, expecting him to fail miserably," joked Shields in his remarks to Mehling and a socially distant audience. "However, to our chagrin, he has done a magnificent job; we are very proud of him, and we couldn't be more honored to promote him here today."

Since joining the New York National Guard, Mehling has served in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility, including command of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, State Training Officer and Deputy Director of Operations, and the Operations Officer and Plans Officer for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters.

Mehling was an active duty field artillery officer prior to joining the New York Army National Guard. His prior positions include Fire Support Officer in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y., Battalion Fire Support Officer in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Battery Commander in the First Division's 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, including a deployment to Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals and two Amy Achievement Medals. He has also earned the U.S. Army Ranger Tab and the Army Parachutist Badge and is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of field artillery, for his service career in that combat arms branch.

Accompanying Mehling were his wife Jennifer, children William, Elizabeth, Katherine, and Charles, and his sister Daphne.

Mehling thanked the officers, non-commissioned officers and Soldiers he served with over his 23 year career.

"The camaraderie that we build in shared hardships is what makes the Army unique and is among its greatest qualities," he said.

Mehling also thanked his family for their support of his career.

"I would like to thank my wife Jennifer for her unyielding support and iron resolve. And to my children, you have been a big part of this too, and you all make me proud every day."

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