Four New York Air National Guardsman at the Eastern Air Defense Sector Receive New Ranks

Rome, NY (12/06/2017) — Maj. Gen. Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

The 224th ADG, composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), EADS is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S.

Promoted Airmen are:

Brad Dunford, Wampsville, to the rank of Major. Dunford is an air battle manager assigned to the 224th Air Defense Squadron.

Natasha VanDeusen, Rome, to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. A cyberspace communications superintendent, VanDeusen is assigned to the 224th Support Squadron.

Frank Balash, Ava, to the rank of Technical Sergeant. Balash is a cyber transport systems technician assigned to the 224th Support Squadron.

Tracy Gallagher, Sherrill, to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Gallagher is a personnelist with the 224th Air Defense Group.

Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Photographs of the Airmen can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/albums/72157689283581111