New York National Guard

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of New York Air National Guard Col. Misty Looney, commander of the 174th Attack Wing Medical group, who was promoted to the rank of colonel during a promotion ceremony held on September 9, 2023 at Hancock Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, N.Y. Col. Looney assumed command of the 174th Medical group in May 2023, after serving since May 2021 as the Chief of the Public Health and Prevention branch of the Office of the Air Surgeon, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Looney enlisted in the United States Navy in 1989 as a Hull Maintenance Technician, and then went on to pursue a Veterinary Medicine degree. She graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2004, and then returned to service in the Air Force as a Public Health Officer. After completing an active-duty tour, Looney joined the Mississippi Air National Guard, serving with the 186th Air Refueling Wing and the 172nd Airlift Wing. Recently, she held duty assignments involving Covid support operations at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and was the Site Medical Lead in Gulfport, Mississippi. Looney has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal, among others.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff Sgt. Robert Kraeger on July 13, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff Sgt. Robert Kraeger, Boonville, is a Materials Management journeyman at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Rome, N.Y. -- Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Paul M. Bishop to the rank of Brigadier General. Bishop serves as the New York Air National Guard Chief of Staff. The promotion ceremony took place on Sep. 6 at the Capitol Theatre in Rome. Maj. Gen. Denise M. Donnell, New York State Air National Guard Commander, was the ceremony's presiding officer. A life-long resident of nearby Oriskany, Bishop has a lengthy association with the former Griffiss Air Force Base, now the Griffiss Business and Technology Park, where EADS is located. The son of an active-duty Airman stationed at Griffiss in the 1970s, Bishop's mother also worked on the base. The new Commander's first job as a teenager was bagging groceries at the Griffiss commissary and he has served at EADS for the past 29 years. Bishop is a 1989 U.S. Air Force basic training graduate with more than 30 years' experience in the Air National Guard. His first assignment was at the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, where he was an F-16 avionics maintenance specialist. In 1991, he deployed with the 174th to Al Kharj Air Base, Saudi Arabia, for Operation Desert Storm. In 1993, Bishop transferred to the 113th Air Control Squadron (ACS) in Syracuse and subsequently received his commission through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. He then completed Weapons Director training at Tyndall AFB. In 1994, Bishop moved to Rome when the 113th ACS assumed the NORAD mission at the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS). During the past 29 years, Bishop has worked more than 31,000 mission crew hours and held several leadership positions. He holds numerous Air Battle Management qualifications including Battle Commander, Mission Crew Commander, Weapons Director, Weapons Director Technician, Weapons Assignment Officer, and Senior Director. Bishop has played a key role in several critical projects during his time at EADS. He helped plan and implement NEADS transition into the Eastern Air Defense Sector, a change that more than doubled the unit's geographic area of responsibility. Bishop planned and executed the first-ever live-fly exercise in the Washington, D.C. area that integrated NORAD fighter planes with U.S. Army ground-based air defense assets and supervised an analysis project that devised a new work schedule to reduce crew fatigue. Prior to taking over as Chief of Staff, Bishop was the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) Commander. During his time at EADS, he has also served as the 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) Commander, 224th Support Squadron Commander, 224th Air Defense Squadron Operations Director, Flight Commander, Assistant Flight Commander, and Weapons Section Officer-in-Charge. A 1998 graduate of Columbia College, Bishop has completed the Squadron Officers Course at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He has also completed Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. ###

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Master Sgt. Matthew Musumeci on Aug. 5, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Master Sgt. Matthew Musumeci, from Whitesboro, N.Y., is a Systems Operations technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 224th Support Squadron, the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff Sgt. Thomas Carlson on July 18, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff Sgt. Thomas Carlson, from Yorkville, N.Y., is a Mission Systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff. Sgt. Zachary Houle on Aug. 7, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff. Sgt. Zachary Houle, from Rome, N.Y., is a Security Forces journeyman at the 224th Security Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Staff Sgt. Rasheed Brooks on Aug. 23, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Staff Sgt. Rasheed Brooks, from Rome, N.Y., is a Security Forces journeyman at the 224th Security Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Col. Jennifer King on Aug. 18 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of her capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Col. Jennifer King, Prosepect, is the commander of the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 224th Support Squadron, the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Tech. Sgt. Tyler Harrington on July 18, 2023 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Tech. Sgt. Tyler Harrington, from Holland Patent, N.Y., is a Mission Systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, the 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron, located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector's (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Air National Guard.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Airmen at the New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

New York Air National Guard Airman Corinne (Mudge) Lamoree, a 2004 graduate of Cincinnatus High School and member of the 174th Attack Wing, received a promotion to the rank of master sergeant during a ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York on May 6. Lamoree, who joined the Air Force in 2006, is the daughter of Steven and Shelby Mudge, granddaughter of Leroy and the late Wilma Closson, and the late Dan and Joan Mudge, all of Cincinnatus, N.Y. Lamoree is an Occupational Safety Craftsman on the wing staff, where she conducts safety investigations, safety inspections and assessments of base facilities and operations as well as provides wing level safety education and training. After joining the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, she later joined the New York Air National Guard in 2018 in Airfield Management. She is a veteran of the Iraq War. Lieutenant Colonel Angi Daiuto, Chief of Wing Safety at the 174th Attack Wing, praised Lamoree as an outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and peer leader in her remarks during her promotion ceremony.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Christopher VanDemortel, an Afghanistan war veteran serving in the New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing received a promotion to the rank of chief master sergeant during a March 4, 2023 ceremony held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse. VanDemortel serves in the 152 Air Operations Group as the senior advisor to the commander, Air National Guard Col. Kevin St. John, who presented VanDemortel with his new rank. As Group Chief for the 152 Air Operation Group, VanDemortel provides guidance and support for all issues related to enlisted Airmen. He advises the commander on professional development, training, health and morale of Airmen. "I never thought I would reach the rank of chief master sergeant," VanDemortel said, "but I hope to set the example and be a mentor for younger Airmen. My main focus will be on the enlisted and I will work with them and help them become our future senior enlisted leaders." VanDemortel graduated from Newark Senior High School in Newark New York, in 1984 and then received his degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe Community College in 1986. He joined the United States Army in 1985 through a delayed enlistment program and shipped for basic training in July of 1986 after his academic studies. While on active duty he served as a Military Policeman and was stationed in Germany until November of 1989. He returned to New York and served from 1989 to 1992 in the New York Army National Guard as an anti-armor missile gunner. Following a seven-year break in service, VanDemortel joined the New York Air National Guard in 1999 as a traditional Guardsman with the 174th Attack Wing (then a fighter wing). He served in the 174th Security Forces Squadron first as a Security Forces Specialist and then First Sergeant. He moved to the 152nd Air Operations Group in 2019 and serves as the Chief of Information Protection and as such, oversees the information and industrial security programs for the 174th Attack Wing. He deployed in support of operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and completed overseas tours in the Germany, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and Columbia, South America. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces recent awards and individual recognitions for members of the New York Guard state defense force for their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of New York State's Military Forces.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Michael T. Will, the 174th Attack Wing Command Chief, retired after 39 years of military service during a ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Feb. 4, 2023. The 174th Attack Wing Commander, Col. William J. McCrink, presided over the retirement ceremony, which included speeches, awards, and farewells. Will, a Remsen, N.Y. resident, served as the senior enlisted leader at the wing, providing guidance to the enlisted force. He advised the commander on professional development, readiness, training and the health, morale and welfare of assigned enlisted personnel and their families for six years. He graduated from Remsen Central High School in Remsen, New York in 1983. In August 1983, he joined the United States Air Force through the delayed enlistment program, and left for basic training in February 1984. His background includes service as an aircraft armament specialist, avionics specialist, aircraft crew chief, intelligence analysis specialist, and space systems operations. After serving for six years on Active Duty and being stationed in Spain, New Hampshire, and Texas, Chief Will separated from Active Duty and re-enlisted into the Air National Guard in May 1990. Will has served and deployed numerous times in support of domestic operations in the United States and contingency operations supporting efforts in the Middle East. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom as well as several squadron and group-level deployments. Prior to his service as wing command chief, Will served as the 152nd Air Operations Group Superintendent. During the ceremony, Will thanked a numerous amount of people, from past commanders who are now generals, his family, to the young airmen who are currently serving. "It's been an absolute pleasure to have been your command chief," he said. Chief Master Sgt. Sonja A. Williams took authority and is now the new Command Chief for the wing.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Sonja Williams became the first woman to serve as senior enlisted leader for the 174th Attack Wing on February 4, 2023 during a change of authority ceremony held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse. Williams, who lives in Carthage, N.Y., replaced Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Will who retired after serving as wing command chief since 2017. "I want you all to know that I understand the importance of this position and that I am here for you," Williams said. "I am here to empower you, listen to you, to continue to uphold the outstanding reputation that you all have cultivated as members of the 174th Attack Wing, she said. Williams previously served as the senior enlisted leader for the 174th Mission Support Group. She joined the New York Air National Guard in 1997 as a personnel specialist. Following her completion of technical school, Williams returned to the 174th Attack Wing, assigned to the command support staff in the 174th Logistics Readiness Squadron. After cross training in the education & training career field, Williams assumed the role of unit education & training manager for the 174th Civil Engineer Squadron. After deploying in 2011 to Kyrgyzstan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Williams was selected in 2012 to serve as the Human Resources Advisor for the wing, a post she held until 2018. In addition to serving as the senior enlisted leader for the Mission Support Group, Williams also served as the senior enlisted leader for the 174th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. For the past 20 years, Williams has also worked in education for her civilian career as a high school Spanish teacher. For two years she served as president of her local branch of the American Association for University Women. Williams is the recipient of multiple awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Hancock Field Air National Guard Base and the 174th Attack Wing said goodbye to Chief Master Sgt. Ashley A. Pace afer a 20-ytear military career during her retirement ceremony held January 7, 2023. Pace, a Rome, N.Y., resident, graduated Air Force basic training in December of 2002. After completing basic training, she went on to attend contracting technical school. Pace's very first active duty assignment was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. There she would be assigned to the 4th Contracting Squadron. From there she was stationed with the 92nd Contracting Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. In 2010, Pace joined the 88th Contracting Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. She has deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom, Joint Guardian, and Iraqi Freedom. After spending 13 years on active duty, Pace returned home to New York State and joined the 174th Attack Wing in 2016. Pace was the Base Contracting Officer for 174th Attack Wing. She was responsible for the acquisition of supplies, services, and construction necessary to support the wing and subordinate units. Pace also served as an Air National Guard Contracting Regional Chief Enlisted Manager for the Southeast region. Prior to her becoming the Base Contracting Officer for the wing, she was the Manager of Command Contracting Inspections for the Air Force Materiel Command Office of the Inspector General. During her ceremony, Pace received a Certificate of Appreciation, and was presented a plaque from the Chiefs Enlisted Council. Pace's Husband, Master Sgt. Robert Pace, also received a Certificate of Appreciation for his support as a spouse. Her mother, Mrs. Lorraine Cushman, received the Military Parent Medal.