Glenville resident James Vendetti promoted to colonel in the New York Air National Guard
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia, New York (09/11/2025) — James Vendetti, a Glenville resident, who leads the 109th Airlift Wing's 109th Maintenance Group and once served in the Army, was promoted to colonel in the New York Air National Guard during a July 22, ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia.
Vendetti is responsible for the maintenance and readiness of the wing's LC-130 ski-equipped Hercules aircraft.
Col. Steven Slosek, the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing, presided over the ceremony.
Vendetti thanked his family, fellow Airmen and mentors for their support throughout his career and offered words of advice.
"My journey to this day has been an interesting one. This Thursday, the 24th, it will be exactly 33 years in the military for me. From an Army Private to today, I think it's safe to say I was a long shot" Vendetti said.
"There is no secret formula. There are no shortcuts. If there was an easy way I would have found it. The times I've been most unfulfilled at work are the times when I wasn't giving it everything I had," Vendetti said.
"Take that as a call to action, the mission in front of us can be difficult. That is nothing to be feared. It's something we need to face head on. To me, that is the spirit of the 109th," he added.
Slosek praised Vendetti's leadership, noting his role in sustaining the wing's unique polar airlift mission in support of the National Science Foundation in Greenland and Antarctica.
"Col. Vendetti's professionalism and commitment to excellence have been vital to the mission success of the Maintenance Group and the wing as a whole," Slosek said. "This promotion is well-deserved and speaks to his impact on the Airmen he leads." Slosek added.
The 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York, operates the Department of Defense's only ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft, providing essential airlift capabilities to polar regions
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Col. James Vendetti, the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing's 109th Maintenance Group, takes the oath of office after being promoted to colonel on July 22 during a ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia. Col. Steven Slosek, the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing presided over the ceremony.