Leicester resident Jeffrey Schirmer receives Meritorious Service Medal to mark his retirement from the NY Army National Guard

Latham, N.Y. (03/02/2018) — New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeffrey Schirmer, a Leicester resident, has received the Meritorious Service Medal to mark the completion of 36 years of service in the New York Army National Guard.

Schirmer, a veteran of the Gulf War and the Iraq War, most recently served as the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the New York Army National Guard.

Warrant Officers are technical experts who fall between sergeants and commissioned officers in the Army's command structure. As Command Chief Warrant Officer, Schirmer was responsible for implementing the New York Army National Guard's Warrant Officer Program across New York, reporting directly to the Adjutant General.

Schirmer was recognized during a Feb. 28 ceremony at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham, N.Y. in which he passed on his duties to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jacqueline O'Keefe.

The Meritorious Service Medal is presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service.

Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, praised Schirmer for his years of service.

"Jeff has always been a good leader and family man and has been loyal to the organization," German said.

Schirmer thanked his wife Maureen for her support during his military career and said working with warrant officers across the state had been a great job.

"You'll be in my thoughts as you continue to support the state and the nation," Schirmer told the audience of 200 who attended the event.

Schirmer joined the New York Army National Guard in 1982. He served as an enlisted Soldier, reaching the rank of Sgt. 1st Class, before becoming a Warrant Officer in 1998.

Prior to his selection as Command Chief Warrant Officer, Schirmer served for 34 years as a dual-status federal technician in charge of the New York National Guard's Combined Support Maintenance Shop. Technicians are federal employees who support the National Guard and must also serve in the National Guard as a condition of employment.

As a Guard Soldier he has served as Electronics Platoon Sergeant in the 134th Maintenance Company; the Electronics Platoon Leader, Logistical Maintenance office for Headquarters Company of the 42nd Infantry Division, and Electronic Maintenance Officer in the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, and Logistical Maintenance Officer for New York National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters.

Schirmer deployed to Iraq in 2005 as Logistical Maintenance Officer for the 42nd Infantry Division. He also served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 1990 and 1991 during Operation Desert Storm with the 22nd Support Command.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.

Schirmer and his wife have two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

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