Schenectady resident Jacob Thomas is promoted to sergeant first class in New York Army National Guard

Latham, New York (08/23/2024) — Schenectady resident Jacob Thomas was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class in the New York Army National Guard during an August 19 promotion ceremony at Division of Military and Naval Affairs in Latham.

Thomas, who serves as the enlisted aide to Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York and the commander of the New York National Guard, has served in the Army Guard since 2010.

As Shield's enlisted aid since 2023, Thomas is responsible for office administration and organizing travel for Shields and other New York National Guard leaders, both within the United States and overseas.

Shields, who presided over the promotion ceremony, praised Thomas as an outstanding noncommissioned officer.

"Being promoted to sergeant first class is a major milestone for every noncommissioned officers' career," Shields said.

"It's a promotion that brings leadership responsibilities, leading America's Soldiers. It's a huge responsibility and a testament to your abilities and professionalism," Shields said.

Thomas, served in the Utica-based 2nd Battalion, 108th infantry as a forward observer for six years.

While assigned to the 108th Infantry, he volunteered to deploy to Kuwait in 2012 and serve with a forward support company from the South Carolina National Guard as a motor transport operator.

In 2016 he became a full-time National Guard Soldier and an Army National Guard recruiter. In 2021 he took on the position of Recruit Sustainment Program Noncommissioned Officer In Charge.

The recruit sustainment teaches basic military skills to new enlistees to prepare them for Army Basic Training.

Thomas's military education includes courses in human resources specialists, joint fire support sergeant advanced leader course, and master resilience training.

His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and the Army Overseas Ribbon.

He and his wife Alexa, have two children, Killian and Eliza.

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