Ballston Spa resident Katie Schin promoted to Lt. Colonel and takes command of 42nd division headquarters battalion

Troy, New York (07/22/2024) — New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Katie Schin, a Ballston Spa resident and an Iraqi war veteran, took command of the 42nd Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, during a ceremony at the division's headquarters in Troy, N.Y., on July 13, 2024.

Prior to the change of command ceremony, Schin was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, with her husband Mike and two daughters Michaela and Evelyn assisting during the pinning ceremony.

Schin, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 1998, served 11 years as an enlisted soldier, achieving the rank of sergeant first class before direct commissioning as an officer in 2009.

"Katie is an excellent leader and performed in key leadership positions which made her the right choice for this command," said Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Biehler, commander of the 42nd Inf. Div.

The division's headquarters battalion includes the Soldiers and Officers who do the work of the 42nd Infantry Division.

Schin replaced Lt. Col. Bryon Linnehan, also an Iraqi war veteran, who commanded the battalion for three years.

Schin also serves as the executive officer of the New York Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion on a daily basis.

In his remarks Biehler praised both Schinn and Linnehan.

"You're seeing a very great officer leaving and very great officer coming in, both very capable," Biehler added. "These two officers are among the best and are two outstanding leaders".

Schin, who started her military career as a private specializing in military intelligence, says she hopes her career path, "serves as an inspiration for some of the junior Soldiers standing in this formation; you could be standing here one day as well."

"The division headquarters cannot be successful without the support of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion; we are the support that allows the division to execute their mission," Schin said. "I am honored to be part of this battalion."

Schin was deployed to New York City following the 9/11 attacks and deployed to Tikrit Iraq in 2004 where she served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of one of the 42nd Infantry Division's intelligence teams.

In 2012 she served as the human resources officer for one of the New York National Guard task forces which responded to Super Storm Sandy.

She has served in a number of jobs ranging from intelligence company executive officer to personnel officer to executive officer for the Adjutant General of New York.

Schin holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College with a concentration in Psychology.

She is a graduate of several military schools to include Command and General Staff College, and Battalion Pre-Command Course.

Her awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Army Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Service, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

Schin is a lifetime member of the 42nd Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation, the Association of the United States Army, the Miliary Association of New York, and the National Guard Association of the United States.

Lieutenant Colonel Schin lives in Ballston Spa with her husband Mike, a retired New York Army National Guard non-commissioned officer, their son, Alex, along with their two daughters.

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