Kristopher Del Ra, an Altamont resident, promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the New York Army National Guard

Latham, NY (08/24/2020) — Kristopher Del Ra, an Altamont resident, was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the New York Army National Guard during a short ceremony on August 19 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

Del Ra, who joined the Army in 2012 and is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan, currently serves as full-time human resources non-commissioned officer in the Military Personnel Office.

Del Ra, who graduated from Canajoharie Central School in 2011, initially served with the 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery at Fort Drum, New York and served in Afghanistan with that unit.

He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 2nd Battalion 12th Field Artillery prior to leaving the Active Army in 2017, when he joined the New York Army National Guard.

He was initially assigned to the Intelligence and Sustainment Company of the 42nd Infantry Division and transferred to Joint Force Headquarters- New York in 2019.

Del Ra's military education includes the Basic Leader Course, the Structured Self-Development Course, and the Combat Life Saver Course.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Media Attachments

Staff Sergeant Kristopher Del Ra receives his new rank from his girlfriend Alexandra Griffin during a promotion ceremony held at the New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by William Albrecht)