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Col. Joseph Roos, a Manlius resident, retires after 30 years in the Air Force and NY Air National Guard

Roos served as the commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector at the end of his 30-year career

Rome, New York (05/19/2026) — Air Force Colonel Joseph F. Roos a Manlius resident who commanded the Rome-based Eastern Air Defense Sector, was recognized for 30 years of service during a May 12 retirement ceremony.

Colonel Jennifer L. King, who replaced Roos as commander of the Easter Air Defense Sector, presided over the retirement ceremony, which included speeches, awards, and farewells.

"He has excelled at every position, leading this sector with a steady hand, a brilliant tactical mind, and genuine care for every member of this team, "King said.

"His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of the Battle Control Center as a weapons system, developing the next Command and Control System, and ensuring the Sector is poised for the evolving mission that is to come." she continued.

In his remarks, Roos, said that during the course of his career he learned to be grateful for the outstanding work done by the Airmen across the Air Force and especially at EADS.

He also said that people all have a "superpower" and leaders need to learn to use those powers to make their units better.

And finally, Roos said, it's important to learn to be calm, no matter how stressful the situation is.

Roos joined the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program after graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1996.'

His first assignment was with the 325th Training Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. As a student, he excelled as an Air Battle Manager and received the Undergraduate Air Battle Manager School's Distinguished Graduate award.

Roos's first duty assignment was at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

During a three-year tour, he qualified as a weapons director, evaluator air surveillance officer, and evaluator senior director.

While serving with the 603rd Air Control Squadron, Col. Roos participated in Operations Deliberate Guard, Noble Anvil, and Allied Force . He was also named the United States Air Forces in Europe Air Battle Manager of the Year for 1999.

In 2000, Col. Roos returned to the 325th Training Squadron, serving as an air battle management instructor, a flight commander, and chief of training. He was responsible for instructing more than one-third of the nine-month course.

. Roos taught over 500 future air battle managers and was named the 325th Air Control Squadron Flight Commander of the Year for 2002.

In 2003, Roos joined the New York Air National Guard and was assigned to EADS.

From 2003 until his retirement, he served in various leadership roles, including evaluator senior director, evaluator mission crew commander, flight commander, inspector general, standardization and evaluation chief, director of operations, and commander of the 224th Air Defense Squadron.

Prior to his final assignment, Col. Roos served as the commander of the 224th Air Defense Group.

Roos's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

[JK1]Named operations should be in all caps.

Media Attachments

NYANG Col. Roos receives his retirement award on May 12, 2026.

Colonel Joseph F. Roos a Manlius resident who commanded the Rome-based Eastern Air Defense Sector, receives a retirement award from Col. Jennifer King, who replaced him as EADS commander, during his retirement ceremony on May 12, 2026 at EADS headquarters in Rome, New York. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Barbara Olney)

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