New York National Guard

New York Air National Guard 1st Lt. Peter Gioia was selected as the 109th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer of the Year for 2018, based on his superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Gioia, a 14-year veteran, joined the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York in 2016. He currently serves as the Wing Protocol Officer, Polar Plans Officer for Operation Deep Freeze, and the Vehicle Maintenance Flight Officer in charge for the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Gioia received his Bachelor's Degree in Education through SUNY Empire State in 2012. He currently resides in Glenville with his wife, Briana and children, Cole and Aislynn. He is the son of Mel and Dorothy Gioia, both of Washingtonville, New York.

New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. James Cappadora, a resident of Albany, was selected as the 109th Airlift Wing's Outstanding NonCommisioned Officer of the Year for 2018, based on his superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Cappadora joined the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York, in 2014 with the Maintenance Group and is a fuel systems journeyman. He is a 2013 graduate of Pine Bush High School and recently obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology through the University at Albany. Cappadora will go on to compete for the New York Air National Guard Outstanding NCO of the Year. Cappadora is the son of Jim and brother of Julianne, both of Pine Bush, N.Y.

New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Justin Kruzinski, a resident of Delanson, N.Y., was selected as the 109th Airlift Wing's Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2018 based on his superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Kruzinski joined the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York, in 2002. He is the Aircrew Flight Equipment Lead Trainer for the 109th Operations Support Squadron. He is responsible for the inspection, maintenance and positioning of aircrew survival equipment and the continuation survival training of aircrew for the only ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft in the world. Kruzinksi is a 2002 graduate of Duanesburg Central School and received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice through SUNY Albany in 2009. Kruzinksi currently resides in Delanson with his wife, Amanda, and is the son of Michael and Marcia Kruzinksi.

Senior Airman Waeya Lin, a resident of Rensselaer, was selected as the 109th Airlift Wing's Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2018, based on his superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Lin joined the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York in 2016 with the Medical Group as a medical technician. He is a 2012 graduate of Rensselaer High School and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry from Elmira College, Elmira, New York, in 2016. Lin was recently accepted into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Lin will go on to compete for the New York Air National Guard Outstanding Airman of the Year.

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 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 ceremony 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 40 new Soldiers to their units during the December ceremony around the state.

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.

Eleven Soldiers from the 101st Expedition Signal Battalion, New York Army National Guard, provided real-world signal communications for U.S. Forces in support of Operation Bright Star 2018 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base near Alexandria, Egypt, from Sept. 8-20, 2018. The Guardsmen, who were already deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, joined nearly 800 U.S. military service members and 7 partner nations for an exercise designed to enhance regional security and cooperation, and promote interoperability in irregular warfare scenarios.

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.

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 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 were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony. The ceremony 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 80 new Soldiers to their units during September and October ceremonies around the state.

Major General Anthony P. German, 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.

Edward Keyrouze, a Saratoga Springs resident, was promoted to colonel in the New York Guard during a promotion ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. on September 26, 2018. The New York Guard is the state's uniformed defense force which augments the New York Army and Air National Guard during state emergencies. Many of the New York Guard's volunteers have previous military experience but they do not have to be retired or former military members. Unlike the National Guard they have no federal role and serve only on state duty. Keyrouze works at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs in Latham N.Y. as the administrative officer for the New York Guard since 2013. He began his military career, in 1979 when he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. In 1981 he transferred to the Active Army and then later joined the NY Army National Guard where he received an officer's commission in 1990 from the Empire State Military Academy Officer Candidate School. He retired from the Active Federal Service in 2004 after completing over 24 years of service. During his Army career he served in all three components of the Army. His leadership responsibilities have included recruiting command positions, platoon leader, assistant operations officer, chemical officer, battalion and brigade personnel officer, officer strength manager, and battalion executive officer. In 2010, he joined the New York Guard assigned to the Headquarters 10th Brigade New York Guard. During his time with the guard he has been activated in 2011 in support of Hurricane Irene and 2012 Tropical Storm Sandy. Keyrouze has completed several military schools including; infantry officer basic course, air assault school, supply management officer course, infantry mortar leader course, infantry officer advance course, combined arms service and staff school, command & general staff course and joint special operations leaders course. The presiding officer for the promotion ceremony was Brigadier General David Warager, commander of the New York Guard. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army National Guard Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Medal. He also earned the Military Emergency Management Specialist badge for state emergency activation through the State Guard Association of the United States. Keyrouze is a graduate of Nyack College with a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management and a Graduate certificate in Project Management from Villanova University. He is married to the former Dawn McHargue of Halfmoon, N.Y. and they have three children; Austin, Justin and Amanda.

New York Army National Guard Col. Christopher Jensen, a Northville resident and Iraq veteran was promoted to colonel during a promotion ceremony at the National Guard Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. on October 5, 2018.

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.

Schenectady resident Noelle Beecham, was promoted to major during a ceremony held at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. on September 28th, 2018. Beecham received her ROTC commission in May 2008 from St. Bonaventure University. She attended Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Sill, Okla. and Fort Jackson, S.C. where she became an Adjutant General Corps Officer. Upon completion, she was assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division as a Human Resource Officer. Beecham has coordinated and planned training events for several different training exercises for the New York National Guard, worked as a human resource officer at the division level, and served as the personnel mobilization officer for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and the 27th Infantry Brigade. She deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait as battalion personnel officer in 2013 while assigned to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion. During the deployment, she was reassigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade as the brigade personnel officer. In January 2017, Beecham led the 42nd Headquarters Support Company, in Troy, N.Y. as the unit commander where she served until July 2018. Beecham's military education includes: Adjutant General Corps Basic Officer Leadership Course, Pre-Command Course, Adjutant General Corps Captain Career Course and the Officer Strength Manager Course. Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal , National Defense Service Medal and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Beecham holds a Bachelor's Degree from St. Bonaventure University in Sociology and a Minor of Elementary/Special Education. She is currently in the Mental Health Clinician Graduate Program at the College of St. Rose. Beecham works full time for the New York Army National Guard as an Officer Strength Manager Branch Chief for Recruiting and Retention Command. Her husband Master Sgt. Myles Beecham is also a full-time member of the New York Army National Guard and they have an English bulldog named Holadai.

Major General Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, 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.

The New York Army National Guard commissioned its newest officers August 11, 2018 following their successful completion of Officer Candidate School. Ten newly commissioned second lieutenants of the New York Army National Guard and their families received their oath of commissioning and officer's rank, led by New York Army National Guard Naj. Gen. Steven Ferrari, commander of the Guard's 42nd Infantry Division.

Major General Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, 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.