Clifton Park resident James Cahill, an Afghan War veteran, is promoted to colonel in New York Army National Guard

Latham, NY (09/14/2019) — Clifton Park resident James Cahill was promoted to the rank of colonel in the New York Army National Guard during ceremonies held at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters on Sept. 7, 2019.

He was promoted to his new rank by Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.

Cahill, who serves as the Director of Military Personnel for the New York Army National Guard, is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan who has served in the Army National Guard since 1985.

Cahill served as an enlisted Soldier until he graduated from Office Candidate School in 1991 and was commissioned as an infantry officer.

He has served as a rifle platoon leader, a company commander, battalion supply officer, brigade personnel officer and personnel officer for the 42nd Infantry Division. He served as battalion commander for the 106th Regimental Training Institute.

Cahill has served as a full-time Army National Guard personnel officer.

Cahill deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 with the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and served as the personnel officer for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multi-national force organized to train and mentor the Afghan Army and police.

Cahill holds a degree in Mathematics and Management from Le Moyne College.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

He and his wife Charlie have a daughter, McKenna.

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