Kirkville resident retires after 30 years of service in Air Force and Air National Guard

Col. Michael F. Adamitis receives Legion of Merit in recognition of his years of service

Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, New York (06/10/2024) — New York Air National Guard Colonel Michael F. Adamitis, a Kirkville resident, retired after 30 years of military service during a ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse on June 8th, 2024.

Col. John R. O'Connor, 174th Attack Wing commander, presided over the retirement ceremony, which included speeches, awards, and farewells.

Adamitis served as the 174th Mission Support Group Commander for the last five years. Prior to this role, he served as the Interim Maintenance Group Commander, Deputy Maintenance Group Commander, and the Communications Flight Commander.

Adamitis received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony.Adamitis obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from St. Bonaventure University, Additionally, he holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University.He earned his commission from Officer Training School in June 1994.

After serving in the Active Air Force for almost 8 years, Adamitis joined the New York Air National Guard in August 2001. His assignments included:

• Personnel Officer, 174th Military Personnel Flight at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base;
• Professor of Aerospace Studies at Princeton/Rutgers University.
• Executive Officer, of the 52d Logistics Group at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
• Chief of Customer Support, 70th Mission Support Squadron at Brooks AFB, Texs.
• Executive Officer for Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command at the Directorate of Personnel at Randolph Air Force Base Texas.

His awards and decorations include:

• The Meritorious Service Medal,
• Air and Space Commendation Medal,
• Army Commendation Medal,
• Air and Space Achievement Medal,
• Meritorious Unit Award,
• Air and Space Outstanding Unit award,
• Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award,
• Air reserve forces meritorious Service Medal,
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
• National Defense Service Medal,

Media Attachments

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New York Air National Guard Col. Michael Adamitis, former commander of the 174th Mission Support Group, addresses attendees during his retirement ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, Jun. 8. Adamitis, who led the mission support group since 2019, is retiring after 30 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Duane Morgan)