Rexford resident William Carraher promoted to rank of Colonel in the New York Air National Guard

Scotia, NY (10/21/2020) — New York Air National Guard Colonel William L. Carraher, a Rexford, New York resident, was promoted from lieutenant colonel during a ceremony conducted by the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base on Saturday, October 13.

Carraher, who entered the Air Force in 1996, serves as the Maintenance Group Commander for the wing.

Carraher joined the New York Air National Guard in 1996 as a pilot trainee. He was commissioned as an officer in 1998.

His assignments have included Instructor Pilot, Chief Pilot, 139th Airlift Squadron Commander and 109th Maintenance Group Commander. Carraher also served as a New York State Trooper for more than 20 years, ending his career there as Second in Command of the NYSP Aviation Command Staff as Lieutenant- Administration.

His awards include the Air Medal and Aerial Achievment Medal.

His military education includes Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and the Accelerated Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course.

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Colonel William L. Carraher

Colonel Michele Kilgore ( left) , the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing, administers the oath of office to Colonel William L. Carraher during promotions ceremonies at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York on October 13, 2020 as Carraher's family members look on. Carraher is a Rexford resident and serves as the wing's maintenance group commander.