NY Army Guard Col. John Sandefur, a Gansefoort resident, receives Legion of Merit as he retires after 36 years of service

Latham, NY (04/03/2026) — New York Army National Guard Col. John Sandefur, a Gansevoort resident who retired after a 36-year Army career, was saluted during a ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham on April 2.

Sandefur, whose last assignment was at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., enlisted in the Army in 1985. He served on active duty and then in the Army Reserve.

Following a break in service, he joined the New York Army National Guard in 1997 and was commissioned as an officer in 1999 through Officer Candidate School.

Sandefur began his career as an intelligence specialist, went on to become an intelligence officer, and eventually worked as a specialist in dealing with threats posed by chemical, biological, and radiological weapons and high explosives.

He commanded the New York National Guard's 2nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, which specializes in these threats.

While working at the National Guard Bureau, he served as Branch Chief for the Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams, coordinating training and support for 57 of these teams across the country.

During the ceremony, Sandefur was presented with the Legion of Merit, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, by Major General Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general, Army.

The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct by military personnel.

He also received the Knowlton Award, which is presented to outstanding military intelligence personnel.

In his remarks, Natali praised Sandefur's service and dedication to duty through multiple deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.

He also thanked Sandefur's wife, Carol Spoor-Sandefur, for her support of her husband's career.

"Supporting John not only supported him, but it also supported all of us," Natali said.

In his comments, Sandefur also thanked his wife for her support.

"You carried the burdens that most people never see you endured, the long separations, missed celebrations, and the uncertainty that comes with military life," he said.

Spoor-Sandefur was also presented with the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal for her support for her husband's career.

Sandefur initially served as a Russian language linguist in military intelligence units.

After becoming an officer in the New York Army National Guard, he deployed to Iraq in 2004 as the intelligence officer for the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, which saw combat in the area north of Baghdad.

He served as a full-time Guard officer in the New York Counterdrug Task Force, as a recruiting officer, and on the New York National Guard Joint Staff. He also served as the State Partnership Program coordinator.

He served in a variety of intelligence positions, including brigade and division intelligence officer. He deployed to Kuwait as a member of the 27th Military Engagement Team and in 2018, he deployed to Iraq for a second time, serving as Deputy Director of Security Assistance at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

Along the way he served as the commander of the headquarters company of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Sandefur holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the College of Charleston, and a master's degree in business administration from Columbia College. He is also a graduate of the United States Army War College.

His other awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Airborne Badge.

He and his wife have three children.

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