New York National Guard

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Master Sgt. Rowland Towle from the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Master Sgt. Rowland Towle, from Cicero, N.Y., is a Security Forces Craftsman in the 224th Security Forces Squadron. He was promoted January 5, 2024 in Rome, N.Y. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 ADG, 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 promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Ernest Lancto, the commander of the 174th Attack Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron from Baldwinsville, N.Y., retired after 39 years of military service during a ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Dec. 2, 2023. The 174th Attack Wing Mission Support Group Commander, Col. Michael Adamitis, presided over the retirement ceremony, which included speeches, awards, and farewells. During his four-years as the commander of the Logistics Readiness Squadron, Lancto provided invaluable guidance to over 70 Airmen, supporting the wing, three major commands, eight tenants, and 12 aircraft. His responsibilities included overseeing a diverse fleet of more than 243 vehicles, with a combined value exceeding 15 million dollars. Lancto began his military career in 1982 when he joined the Army. His initial assignment was with the 152nd Tactical Air Control Group at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1994, Lancto chose to return closer to his roots, transitioning to the New York Air National Guard and contributing to the Northeast Air Defense Sector at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, N.Y. Following his commission in 2004, he held various positions at the 109th Attack Wing and the 174th Attack Wing. Lancto deployed multiple times, contributing to both stateside and overseas missions. Over the years, he has earned several awards and decorations, including those for Meritorious Service, Commendation, Achievements, Humanitarian Service, and Antarctica Service, among others. Among his accolades are several state awards, including the New York Humane Service To New York State Medal, Exercise Support Ribbon, Recruiting Medal, Defense of Liberty, and the Long and Faithful Service award.

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 recent promotion of Tech. Sgt. Ward Seymour 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. Ward Seymour, from Taberg, N.Y., is a Weapons Systems Director at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 ADG, 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 Senior Master Sgt. Asa Peterson at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Rome, N.Y. -- Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Airman 1st Class Anna Zumbrun on Oct 14. at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of her capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Airman 1st Class Anna Zumbrun, from Rome, N.Y., is a Cyber Systems Operations Apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Rome, N.Y. -- Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Airman Carter Recore on Oct. 14 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Amn Carter Recore, from Adams, N.Y., is a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Gennaro Anibaro recently reenlisted in the Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group. Anibarro, a Utica resident, is a Command and Control Battle Management Operator at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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.

Staff Sgt. Jason Calandra recently reenlisted in the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG). Sgt. Calandra, a Rome resident, is a Radio Maintenance Journeyman at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing 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 Lt. Col. Traci Weir at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of her capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Lt. Col. Traci Weir, from New York Mills, N.Y., is a Senior Intelligence Officer at the 224th Air Defense Group. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 224th Support Squadron, and 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. 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of Maj. Jennifer Bunch on Oct. 14 at the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of her capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Maj. Jennifer Bunch, from Clinton, N.Y., is the Director of Complaints within the Inspector General's office at 224th Air Defense Group. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 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. 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 ADG, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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. 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.