NY Army Guard Master Sgt. Richard Palasz, a Wynantskill resident, retires after 37 years of service

Latham, NY (04/25/2022) — New York National Guard Master Sgt. Richard Palasz, a veteran of the Afghan War and a Wynantskill resident, retired after 37 years of service during a ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham on Saturday, April 23.

Palasz joined the New York National Guard in 1981 as an infantryman. His final assignment was to the New York National Guard headquarters detachment in Latham. Palasz served in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 and deployed to Guantanamo Bay in 2015.

"It is with a heavy heart I walk away today," Palasz said. "Not from sadness, but from being filled with all the joy, memories, and friendships I've made."

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, praised Palasz for his service, and noted that he and Palasz had graduated from high school together and joined the National Guard at the same time.

"Richard has been an invaluable asset to the New York National Guard, and it will be sad to see him go," Shields said. "I wish him all the best as he moves on to this next chapter in his life."

Palasz also thanked his wife Rosemary for supporting him during 22 years of marriage.

"Long ago, I gave you a sticker, which we still have, that says 'Army Wife, Toughest Job in the Army. Was I lying?" he said.

Palasz initially served in the 1st Battalion, 105th Infantry Regiment in Troy, and went on to serve in the 105th for 22 years, holding various positions from team leader, section leader, and platoon sergeant.

He then served I the 42nd Infantry Division as an Operations non-commissioned officer, headquarters company first sergeant, and the first sergeant of the division's homeland response force.

Palasz also served in Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard security

In 1983, as a corporal attending annual training at Fort Drum, Palasz and Soldiers under his command, were credited with saving the lives of six service members following a collision between two trucks.

. Palasz and his team extracted the Soldiers from the badly damaged vehicle, which was leaking fuel, treated their injuries, and called for a helicopter evacuation. The helicopter transported the injured men to Syracuse Trauma Center.

Palasz and his team were awarded the New York State Meritorious Service Medal for their actions in that instance.

His military schools include Primary Leadership Development Course, Battle Skills Course, Basic Leadership Development Course, Light Fighters School, Winter Mountain Warfare School, Senior Leadership Course, 42a Senior Human Resources Specialist Course, 31b Military Police Course, Air Assault School, First Sergeant Course, Ground Safety Officer Course, and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, New York State Medal for Meritorious Service, and New York State Medal for Humane service.

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