NY Air Guard Chief Master Sgt. Henry Coleman, a Sayville resident, retires after 34 years of service

Westhampton Beach, New York (10/03/2022) — New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant Henry A. Coleman, a Sayville resident, retired after 34 years of service during a ceremony at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach on Sunday, October 2.

Coleman joined the Air Force in 1987 as a fast fuels refueling specialist. He served in Germany, and at McGuire Air Base in New Jersey before leaving active duty in 1991.

He joined the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard in 1992, and transferred to the 106th Rescue Wing in 1994, where he spent the bulk of his career.

"Chief Coleman has been a tremendous asset for the 106th Rescue Wing for nearly three decade," said Major Devery Herth, the squadron commander of the 106th Force Support Squadron.

"He is truly the walking embodiment of our Air Force core values and his commitment to our unique rescue mission and willingness to serve in any role has been outstanding," Herth said.

Coleman spent the majority of his career in the fuels flight of the 106th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services Flight.

He served as the superintendent of the 106th Mission Support Group. His final job was as superintendent of the 106th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services Flight.

Coleman deployed several times, and earned numerous distinguished awards and certificates during his career.

In September 2021, Chief Coleman volunteered to take part in Operation Allies Refugee / Allies Welcome at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey in-processing thousands of displaced Afghanistan personnel seeking asylum to the United States.

In his remarks, Coleman said he was proud of his military service, and of serving in the 106th Rescue Wing. The motto of the Air Force rescue wing's "that others may live", is very important to him, Coleman said.

His service in the military inspired him to join the Suffolk County Police Department, where he has served for 29 years, Coleman said.

He will miss the camaraderie and friendships he formed while serving with the wing, Coleman said.

He thanked his wide, Dr. Radha S. Munk, a dentist, for her support of his military career, as well as the support from the other members of his family.

His son Brian is currently serving with the 106th Security Forces Squadron. Coleman and Munk have four other children: Dhivya, Rajan, Kirin and Anya.

Media Attachments