Rexford resident Peter Keegan, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, promoted to Colonel in the NY Air Guard
Latham, NY (01/28/2021) — Rexford resident Peter Keegan Jr., a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a tour in the U.S. Navy, was promoted to the rank of colonel in the New York Air National Guard during a ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters on Wednesday, January 28.
Keegan currently serves as the Deputy United States Property Book and Finance Officer for the New York National Guard. The United State Property Book and Finance Office is the entity that handles federal purchasing and fiscal issues for the National Guard.
Major General Timothy LaBarge, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, presided over the promotion and praised Keegan for his knowledge and experience.
Keegan is a civil engineer and "in the Air Force that is now small deal," LaBarge said.
Keegan has handled a number of important and difficult assignments involving multiple services, which has made him a valuable officer, LaBarge said. "We want him everyplace because he has that much talent," LaBarge said.
In his remarks, Keegan thanked his family for their support during his military career. He also said he was pleased to be part of the New York National Guard.
"This is the best organization I have ever been a part of," Keegan said. "I am humbled and amazed at the missions you accomplish each day," he told those attending his ceremony in person and virtually.
Keegan earned his commission in the Navy in 1993 after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in the Bronx.
After a short break in service, Keegan joined the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia in 2003 as a civil engineering officer.
In 2006 he deployed to Ali Base, Iraq. In 2009 he deployed to Afghanistan as part of a U.S. Army team assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Joint Task Force Leatherneck in Helmand Province.
He served as master planner for all construction projects and for the design of Marine Forward Operating Bases in the province.
He joined the New York National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters in 2010 and has served as a planning and program officer, the executive officer to the Air National Guard Director of Staff, and the Deputy Director of the Joint Operations Section.
He also served a tour at the National Guard Coordination Center in Arlington Hall, Virginia as air liaison officer.
In his current role, Keegan assists with the fiscal oversight of the New York Army and Air National Guard.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force, Army and Navy Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the campaign ribbons for Afghanistan and Iraq.
He and his wife Stephanie have two daughters: Madison Keegan and Courtney Smisloff and sons; Connor Keegan and John Traver.
Media Attachments
Air Force Major General Timothy LaBarge, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, administers the oath of office to Air National Guard Colonel Peter Keegan Jr. during his promotion ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, New York on January 27, 2021. Keegan is the deputy director for the United States Property Book and Finance Office, the entity which disperses federal funds to the New York National Guard. ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. William Gizara)
New York National Guard
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