Col. Bob Epp, a Halfmoon resident, retires after 37 years in the Army and the New York Army National Guard

Latham, NY (05/24/2021) — New York Army National Guard Col. Bob Epp, a Halfmoon resident, has retired after 37 years of service in the Army and the Army National Guard.

Epp, whose most recent assignment was serving as New York Counter Drug Task Force Coordinator, received the Legion of Merit and the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal during a short retirement ceremony held on Friday, May 21 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

The Legion of Merit is presented to service members who make significant contributions during the course of their military service.

Epp is also a veteran of the Iraq War, deploying with the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division headquarters in 2005, where he served as an intelligence planner.

Epp, has had "tremendous career with the Army and the New York Army National Guard," said Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York.

During his career, Epp "has been a great leader and a great mentor", Shields added.

His military career, Epp said, has been "a wonderful experience."

"When I joined the Army I never expected the wonderful people I would meet and the places I would go," he said.

He thanked his sons Jeremy and Jordan, and his fiance Jennifer Clement and her sons for their support.

Epp joined the Army as an enlisted Soldier in 1983 and served in Korea and Ft Benning, Georgia as Artillery Fire Direction Specialist, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant.

He joined the New York Army National Guard after being commissioned as a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry.

Epp, a military intelligence officer, has served in a variety of positions. These include: intelligence officer for the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry; commander of the 227th Military Intelligence Company; Strategic Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency; Assistant Professor of Military Science at Syracuse University; Division Plans Officer for the 42nd Infantry Division; Intelligence officer for the 42nd Infantry Division, domestic operations plans officer, executive officer to the Adjutant General, Camp Smith Training Site Garrison commander and deputy personnel officer for the New York National Guard.

He also served as the chief of legislative affairs for the New York National Guard.

Epp is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff College, and the Army War College.

He holds a master's degree in Kurdish studies from SUNY Empire State College, a bachelor's degree from Utica College, and an associate's degree from Mohawk Valley Community College.

His military awards also include the Bronze Star Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Award Medal; National Defense Service Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terror Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; the Humanitarian Service Medal; the NCO Professional Development Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon; Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon; and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Media Attachments