Rome Air National Guard member recognized by Space Force Association

Staff Sgt. Jason Capostagno, a member of the Rome-based 222nd Command and Control Squadron, was named National Guard Enlisted Airman of the Year in the Space Operations category.

ROME, New York (01/06/2025) — A New York Air National Guard member from Rome was recognized for outstanding service by the Space Force Association during the organization's annual conference in Orlando, Florida in December.

Staff Sgt. Jason Capostagno, a member of the Rome-based 222nd Command and Control Squadron, was named National Guard Enlisted Airman of the Year in the Space Operations category.

Another 222nd member, Staff Sgt. Curtis Grady, a resident of Arlington, Virginia was named National Guard enlisted Airman of the Year in the Intelligence Operations category.

The 222nd Command and Control Squadron supports the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency responsible for United States spy satellites.The squadron is part of the Niagara Falls based 107th Attack Wing, and also has Airmen working full time at National Reconnaissance Office headquarters in Herndon, Virginia.

The leadership of the 222nd is extremely proud of both Airmen, said Chief Master Sgt Scott Rachon, the squadron's senior enlisted leader.

"This is an incredible opportunity for them to be recognized for their critical contributions, leadership, and outstanding dedication to the space mission," Rachon said.

The Space Force Association is a not-for-profit that supports the U.S. Space Force and its personnel by advocating for the new service's overall mission, promoting public awareness of space operations, and providing resources and networking opportunities for current Space Force members, according to the association website.

This was the first year the group presented the award to military members.According to the association, recipients were selected based on upon operational, national security, acquisition, or warfighting achievements.The awards recognize officers, enlisted members, and civilian personnel from the Space Force, as well as from the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard, in three categories: Space Operations, Cyber Operations, and Intel Operations.

Capostagno, a recent graduate of the University of Buffalo, said he was "immensely grateful to the for the recognition and appreciation of my endeavors and contributions to the space mission and the Air National Guard."

In 2024 Capostagno, who enlisted in the Air Guard in December 2019, served as the space battle management subject matter expert for National Guard Bureau space operations integrating U.S. and NATO space domain initiatives with the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

He also instructed Romanian and Indonesian military personnel in mission planning and orbital analysis skills, according to Rachon.

In November 2024, Capostagno was selected as the only enlisted U.S. space representative for the multi-national Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise (CRUZEX) in Brazil.

He again shared his expertise orbital analysis, space domain awareness, and space battle management expertise with participants, Rachon said.

Capostagno said that he appreciated the chance to be part of the conference as well.

"It was a true honor to be invited to the conference, and to be able to meet with and talk to so many great people passionate about the mission and industry," he said.

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