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Durham resident Dermot Gavin is promoted to Lt. Colonel in the New York Army National Guard

Afghan War veteran serves as deputy operations officer for the New York National Guard

Latham, NY (03/28/2025) — Dermot Gavin, a Durham resident, and a veteran of the Afghan War, was promoted to a lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard during a March 28 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

Brig. General Isabel Smith, the New York National Guard director of joint staff, praised Gavin as an outstanding officer.

"Throughout his 18-year career, Dermot has demonstrated a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to serve his state and nation, with three deployments to include two to Afghanistan and one deployment to Kuwait," Smith said.

" As you assume the responsibilities of your new rank, I have every confidence that you will motivate and lead by example," Smith added.

Gavin, who currently serves as deputy operations officer for the New York National Guard, thanked his family for their support for this military career.

"I know we have given up a lot to get here," he said.

In his remarks, he also praised the non-commissioned officers who are the backbone of the Army for teaching him how to be a leader.

"You'll learn more from your Soldiers than the schools or the books will ever teach you," Gavin said.

Gavin is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and earned his officers commission through Officer Candidate School in 2007. He also holds a master's in social studies from Russell Sage Graduate School.

Gavin has served as an infantry platoon leader, company executive officer, company commander, battalion and brigade operations officer and division future operations officer.

He deployed to Afghanistan in 2009-2010 and again in 2012. In 2020 he deployed to Kuwait with the 42nd Infantry Division headquarters.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with "V" for valor, two Bronze Star Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge, and the NATO Medal.

His military education includes The Support Operations Course, Command and General Staff College, the Echelon Above Brigade Airspace Course, the Joint Fire Power Course, the Maneuver Battalion Pre-Command Course, and the U.S. Naval War College Naval Command and Staff Program.

He and his wife Tara have three children: Shannon, Seamus, and Sean.

Media Attachments

LATHAM- New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Dermot Gavin receives his new rank from his wife Tara during promotion ceremonies held at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham on March 28, 2025. Gavin, a veteran of the Afghan War, currently serves as the deputy operations officer for the New York National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Stephanie Butler)

LATHAM --New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Dermot Gavin poses with his family after his promotion ceremony, March 28, 2025 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham. Gavin serves as the Deputy Operations officer for the New York National Guard. (U.S. National Guard photo by Stephanie Butler)

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