New York National Guard

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen are: Robert Best, Camden, to Staff Sergeant. Best is a Security Forces journeyman with the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. ###

Lt. Col. Jeffrey W. Kerneklian, a Liverpool resident, formally took command of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Support Squadron July 10, 2019 during an assumption of command ceremony at the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS). The 224th Support Squadron is a subordinate unit of the 224th Air Defense Group (ADG). The 224th ADG provides the New York Air National Guard personnel for EADS, a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) headquarters unit tasked with the air defense of the eastern U.S. Responsible for critical air defense systems and functions, the 224th Support Squadron installs, maintains and repairs computer networks, communications and radar equipment, conducts physical plant maintenance and engineering, and provides EADS' Security Forces and administrative support. Kerneklian received command before a crowd of around 100 Airmen. Col. Paul M. Bishop, the 224th ADG Commander, served as the officiating officer for the ceremony. "Lt. Col. Kerneklian has served across the globe and has been an outstanding leader at every stop along the way," said Col. Bishop, the 224th ADG Commander. "Lt. Col. Kerneklian is taking over a highly-trained, effective unit and I am confident his experience, management skills and sound judgment will enable the squadron to continue its superb work in support of our air defense mission." A native of Richmond, Va., Kerneklian attended Kent State University in Ohio. Commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Kent State, he joined the active-duty Air Force in 1996 as a communications officer. Kerneklian has served in Guam, Europe and throughout the United States during his career. In 2000, he deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he managed integrated communications for Stabilization Forces throughout the theater. In 2001, Kerneklian was one of only six Air Force officers chosen to attend the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Control Systems School at Quantico, Va. After graduating from the course, he led U.S. Strategic Command communications initiatives in direct support of the President and the Global War on Terror. From 2005 to 2009, Kerneklian instructed and supervised the Air Force ROTC Detachment at Syracuse University. He then went on to serve as a NATO staff officer in Brunssum, Netherlands, where he was the lead officer for high value infrastructure projects such as the Afghanistan Mission Network. Following his NATO tour, Kerneklian transferred to the Air National Guard and served in cyberspace defense roles, supporting the 603rd Air Operations Center in Ramstein, Germany and the 608th Air Operations Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He then moved to the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse, where he served as the Inspector General responsible for all base inspections and exercises. In 2017, he joined the U.S. Cyber Command at Ft. Meade, Md., where he conducted strategic level assessments in coordination with the Joint Staff and Office of the Secretary of Defense. Prior to his current assignment, Kerneklian served as the Director of Operations at the 224th Support Squadron where he was responsible for daily operations of 134 military and civilian cyberspace, security, civil engineering and logistics personnel. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. ###

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to the following New York Air National Guardsmen. Master Sgt. Bernard Jowers, Rome, Meritorious Service Medal. The training and resources manager for the 224th Support Squadron's Security Forces, Jowers received the award for writing a new and improved comprehensive master training program, while directing more than 600 hours of training for 40 Airmen. Jowers also established a personnel augmentation program that increased Security Forces manpower and directed and supervised 40 hours of training for the Air Force Research Laboratory police force. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to following New York Air National Guardsmen. Staff Sgt. Gerald Williams, Rome, Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. Williams received two medals for his outstanding work as a range safety officer and radio transmission craftsman with the 174th Operations Group at Ft. Drum, New York. The commendation medal recognized Williams' superb support of more than 1,900 air sorties at the range, which trained 3,200 personnel. He also installed $244,000 in communications upgrades, improving training effectiveness and range safety. Williams was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for his work during Operation Jaded Thunder, a major live fire exercise held at Ft. Drum in August 2017. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

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 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen are: Matthew Weber, Rome, to Technical Sergeant. Weber is a tracking technician at the 224th ADS. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

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 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen are: Thomas Schweizer, Rome, to Staff Sergeant. Schweizer is a mission systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces recent promotions 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.

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 recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army 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 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.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Army National Guard Col. Robert Charlesworth, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan who recently served in the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took command of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in a ceremony at Fort Drum on Saturday, June 22. Foster took over for Col. Christopher Cronin, a Rochester resident and special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as commander of the brigade. Maj. Gen. Steven Ferrari, 42nd Infantry Division Commander, served as the reviewing officer. "[Col. Charlesworth] is uniquely qualified to command the 27th IBCT with over 24 years of military experience," Ferrari said as he welcomed the new brigade commander. "These two officers are leaders of character, competence, and commitment," Ferrari said. "They epitomize everything we expect and demand of our senior leaders."

A civilian member of the 224th Air Defense Group recently received two national awards for his outstanding performance. Mr. Steve Barry, Baldwinsville, an information technology specialist with the 224th Support Squadron, won the Gen. John P. Jumper Award for Excellence in Warfighting Integration and the Information Dominance Outstanding Civilian of the Year award. Presented by the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., the awards recognized Barry's outstanding technical proficiency and substantial contributions to the unit's radar and cyber operations. "Being named the best in your field twice in one year by an organization as large as the Air National Guard is a remarkable achievement," said Col. Paul M. Bishop, the 224th Air Defense Group Commander. "Mr. Barry's outstanding work helped us deliver better information faster to our operations personnel, directly improving the unit's ability to conduct our critical, around-the-clock, air defense mission." The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

A New York Air National Guard officer assigned to the 224th Air Defense Group has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Lt. Col. Steve Rathmell, from Ava, N.Y. serves as the 224th Air Defense Squadron's Director of Operations. He received the medal for his leadership of the unit's Standardization and Evaluations office. Rathmell led the office through 189 successful evaluations and received the highest rating during the Air Combat Command's Unit Effectiveness Inspection, a major inspection conducted by the Group's higher headquarters every four years. Rathmell also was recognized for effectively resolving manning gaps and scheduling conflicts, enabling the unit to complete 745 operational events without mission interruption. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

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 recent retirement of members of the New York Army National Guard, marking their end of service to community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of three members of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen from the April training weekend included: Logan Storms, Rome, to Senior Airman. Storms is a Security Forces apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of three members of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. They include: Rachael Alcorta, Remsen, N.Y., to Master Sergeant. Alcorta is a Mission Crew Commander Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron (ADS). The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the Eastern Air Defense Sector and the 224th Air Defense Group, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to five New York Air National Guardsmen. Senior Master Sgt. James Burke, Camden, Meritorious Service Medal. A mission crew commander technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron (ADS), Burke demonstrated outstanding leadership and operational knowledge during National Special Security Events, presidential flights and more than 30 exercises. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to five New York Air National Guardsmen. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Roberts, Verona, Meritorious Service Medal. A mission crew commander technician with the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Roberts received the award for his outstanding leadership, training management and operational skill. Especially noteworthy were his contributions during nine North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) evaluations. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to five New York Air National Guardsmen. Master Sgt. Shane Rude, Boonville, Meritorious Service Medal. A member of the 224th Support Squadron's Security Forces, Rude expertly managed the installation of electronic security enhancements and provided superior supervision and leadership as a flight commander. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to five New York Air National Guardsmen. 2nd Lt. Philip Gentile, Whitesboro, Air Force Commendation Medal. An air battle manager at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Gentile received the medal for his work as a staff sergeant prior to becoming a commissioned officer. Gentile excelled in various operational qualifications and performed superbly during support missions for presidential flights. He also coordinated 148 training events, providing nearly 500 hours of instruction to 20 students. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

The 224th Air Defense Group recently presented service medals for outstanding performance to five New York Air National Guardsmen. Tech. Sgt. Heather Johnson, Rome, Air Force Achievement Medal. An air surveillance technician with the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Johnson superbly sorted and validated more than 2,500 radar tracks of interest during EADS' enforcement of 31 temporary flight restrictions. She also instructed during 28 alert operations, conducting more than 500 hours of training. The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army 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 of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation. The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training will now be welcomed to their units during their next drill assembly with the New York Army National Guard. The transition marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The New York Army National Guard welcomed 110 new Soldiers to their units during the ceremonies around the state this spring.

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.