NY Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. John Bellissimo, a Rocky Point resident, retires after 34 years of service
Westhampton Beach, N.Y. (02/07/2019) — New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. John F. Bellissimo, a Rocky Point resident, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on Feb. 2, 2019.
Bellissimo, who served as the cyber operations superintendent of the 106th Rescue Wing, was recognized for outstanding service during his 34 years of military service.
Bellissimo joined the New York Air National Guard in 1980 and has served in a variety of positions with the 106th Rescue Wing.
He has worked as a communications and navigation systems specialist in the aircraft maintenance squadron, and as a communications systems program management specialist. He played a key role in updating the systems the wing used to monitor deployments and missions in the latter role.
His work helped the wing manage two major deployments in 1996 and 1998 with few difficulties.
He also served as the wing civil engineer facilities manager, responsible for the buildings at Gabreski Air National Guard Base. While working in that position he oversaw projects valued at $16 million.
Since 2009 he has been the cyber operations superintendent, responsible for maintaining the base computer system which serves over 1,000 Airmen and civilian personnel.
Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center in New York City, Bellissimo played a key role in the New York National Guard's response. He was responsible for lodging military members on Governor's Island and also for managing communications for Guard members working from the Fifth Avenue Armory in Harlem.
Bellissimo and his wife Barbara have three children; John, Michael, and Christina.
The couple plan to move to Mooresville, North Carolina where Barbara Bellissimo grew up.
Media Attachments
New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. John Bellissimo, who is retiring after 34 years in the 106th Rescue Wing displays his retirement certification with Col. Charles Killian, commander of the 106th Mission Support Group, during his retirement ceremony on Feb. 2, 2019 at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach. Bellissimo, who lives in Rocky Point, N.Y. was most recently assigned as the wing's cyber operations superintendent. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Farrell)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- Division of Military and Naval Affairs honors two Department of Correctional and Community Services leaders with military medals
- NY Air Guard's 105th Airlift Wing names five Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2025
- Painting of Benedict Arnold as hero of Battle of Saratoga will be conserved for display in NY Military Museum by 2027.
- NY Air Guard's 174th Attack Wing Seeks Input for Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Community Involvement Plan
- NY Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna resident, takes command of 5,100 Soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command
- New York Air National Guard gets new commander during January 9 ceremony at New York Air National Guard headquarters
- Col. Jason Lefton, an Iraq War veteran, assumes command of NY Army Guard's 53rd Troop Command on Sunday, Jan. 11
- New York Air National Guard gets a new commander during January 9 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters
- NY Air Guard's 107th Attack Wing honors Millard Filmore during wreath laying ceremony in Forest Lawn Cemetery
- New York National Guard Honor Guard teams conducted 6,166 military funeral honors in 2025