Springville resident Eric Emmerling retires after 20 years of Army and Army National Guard service
NEW YORK, New York (05/20/2026) — Springville resident Eric Emerling, a lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard, was recognized for his 20-year military career during a retirement ceremony on May 16 in New York City.
Emerling's final assignment was serving as the commander of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment.
The battalion is headquartered in New York City and has subordinate elements located in New Windsor and Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley.
Emmerling took over the battalion in 2023, and relinquished command to Lt. Col. Adam Connelly.
Col. Jeffery Roth, the commander of the 42nd Infantry Division Artillery, praised Emerling as an outstanding commander who made the battalion better.
Under Emerling's command the battalion deployed units to North Africa for the annual African Lion exercise, and to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California to serve as part of the opposing force.
The battalion also improved its tactical capabilities and scored well on inspections, Roth said.
"The battalion is unquestionably stronger because of Eric's leadership," Roth emphasized.
Roth presented Emmerling with the Legion of Merit during the ceremony.
In his remarks, Emmerling said that commanding the 258th Field Artillery was the highlight of his military career.
He thanked the battalion's Soldiers and leaders for their support since October of 2023.
"As your commander, I could not be prouder of what this battalion has accomplished," Emmerling said.
Your dedication to your craft is commendable, and you should all be proud of yourself and the unit you have become under a long line of commanders, not just me," Emerling added
Emmerling thanked his family for their support over the years while he served in the active Army and then the Army National Guard.
The support of his wife and parents was especially important while he commanded the 258th Artillery, Emerling added.
"Battalion command takes up a lot more time than just typical drill periods, so thank you for allowing me to give this battalion and its Soldiers the time it deserved," he said.
Emmerling was commissioned into the Army through the ROTC program in 1998 as a field artillery officer.
He served in the 10th Mountain division and the 1st Infantry Division in roles ranging from company fire support officer to battalion logistics officer and fire direction officer and deployed to Bosnia and Iraq before leaving active duty in 2005.
Emmerling joined the New York Army National Guard in 2015 after a 10-year break in active service.
As an Army Guard officer, Emmerling has served as squadron effects officer for the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, a firing battery commander in the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, brigade fire support officer, battalion operations officer, and fire support officer for the 42nd Infantry Division.
Emerling is a graduate of the Combined Arms and Services Staff School and the Command and General Staff College.
He holds Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Bonaventure University.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and the NATO Medal.
He has also earned the US Army Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.
In his civilian career, Emerling serves as a Criminal Investigator in the New York State Police.
Emerling and his wife Judy have three children, two adults, and one still at home.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Eric Emmerling, right, receives the Legion of Merit from Col. Jeffery Roth, commander of the 42nd Infantry Division Artillery, during Emmerling's retirement ceremony on May 16, 2025 at the New York National Guard's Jamaica Armory. Emmerling, a Springville resident, is retiring after 20 years of military service.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)
New York National Guard
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