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.

New York Army National Guard Warrant Officer Thomas Fancher, a Valatie, N.Y. resident, was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4 during a Thursday, Feb. 14 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters A warrant officer is a technical specialist who falls in between the commissioned officer and non-commissioned officer ranks in the military. Fancher enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1991, where he attend basic training and advance individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia as an anti-armor infantryman. On September 11th, 2001 he mobilized state active duty in support of civilian operations at ground zero. In 2004 Fancher deployed with the 42nd Infantry Division as the fire support noncommissioned officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom then in 2011 to Camp Beurhing, Kuwait as a Warrant Officer and served as an artillery targeting technician. In 2018, Fancher was assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters as the Force Integration and Readiness Officer where he currently serves full time for the New York Army National Guard. Fancher's awards and decorations include; the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Meritorious Unit Citation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon.

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.

Ryan Perrotti, Schoharie resident, was recently promoted to senior airman within the New York Air National Guard. Perotti works in fuel maintenance with the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York. Perrotti is a 2015 graduate of Schoharie High School. He enlisted with the 109th Airlift Wing in 2016. He resides in Schoharie with his son, Damian. His mother, Jennifer Kelly, and brother, Craig Shackelton, both reside in Esperance.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of four 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: Mark Coleman, Rome, N.Y., to Major. Coleman is a Senior Director at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Brandon Lake, Holland Patent, N.Y. to Staff Sergeant. Lake is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Benjamin Olsen-Russell, McDonough, N.Y., to the rank of Airman 1st Class. Olsen-Russell is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. David Redner, Rome, N.Y., to the rank of Airman. Redner is a Security Forces apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is comprised of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, with Detachments 1 and 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides 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 four 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: Mark Coleman, Rome, N.Y., to Major. Coleman is a Senior Director at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Brandon Lake, Holland Patent, N.Y. to Staff Sergeant. Lake is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Benjamin Olsen-Russell, McDonough, N.Y., to the rank of Airman 1st Class. Olsen-Russell is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. David Redner, Rome, N.Y., to the rank of Airman. Redner is a Security Forces apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is comprised of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, with Detachments 1 and 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides 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 four 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: Mark Coleman, Rome, N.Y., to Major. Coleman is a Senior Director at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Brandon Lake, Holland Patent, N.Y. to Staff Sergeant. Lake is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Benjamin Olsen-Russell, McDonough, N.Y., to the rank of Airman 1st Class. Olsen-Russell is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. David Redner, Rome, N.Y., to the rank of Airman. Redner is a Security Forces apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is comprised of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, with Detachments 1 and 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides 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 four 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: Mark Coleman, Rome, N.Y., to Major. Coleman is a Senior Director at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Brandon Lake, Holland Patent, N.Y. to Staff Sergeant. Lake is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. Benjamin Olsen-Russell, McDonough, N.Y., to the rank of Airman 1st Class. Olsen-Russell is a Tracking Technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. David Redner, Rome, N.Y., to the rank of Airman. Redner is a Security Forces apprentice at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th ADG is comprised of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, with Detachments 1 and 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides 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 Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group have named their annual award winners for 2018. "The EADS' air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Emil Filkorn, EADS Commander. "This year's winners distinguished themselves by going above and beyond our high standards. I congratulate them on their outstanding accomplishments and thank them for their efforts." The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, N.Y., 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 mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. This year, EADS recognized outstanding performers in seven categories: company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior noncommissioned officer, noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard program manager, and civilians in two categories. Award recipients were: Capt. Andrew Conklin, Fairfax Station, Va., Outstanding Company Grade Officer. The weapons and tactics chief at EADS Detachment 1 in Washington, D.C., Conklin authored a 32-page crew tactical coordination checklist and led a critical re-write of a NORAD operational document. Other accomplishments included integrating U.S. Coast Guard personnel into operations and successfully leading Det 1's participation in than a dozen high-level exercises. Master Sgt. Myles Macey, Utica, Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer. A cyber mission systems noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC) at the 224th Support Squadron, Macey oversaw a major systems upgrade and supervised the installation of more than 30 new servers. He also successfully led the unit's first-ever information assurance validation, which required the inspection of nearly 500 security controls. Tech. Sgt. Thomas Silva, Yorkville, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer. The NCOIC of exercises and training at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Silva played a key role in planning Sector support for more than 20 Presidential flights. Silva organized the unit's first continuation training plan and volunteered for more than 40 extra assignments. Senior Airman Amberly Sherman, Rome, Outstanding Junior Enlisted Airman. A tracking technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Sherman was primary tracker during the State of the Union address, helped coordinate 19 Presidential movements and volunteered for 12 additional assignments. Selected to attend a 1st Air Force leadership course, she participated in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Mr. Steve Barry, Baldwinsville, Outstanding Civilian (Category III). An information technology specialist with the 224th Support Squadron, Barry implemented an immersive cyber training program for the unit's computer technicians. Other achievements included leading an upgrade of the unit's Battle Control System, analyzing 14 technical manuals for Air Combat Command, and organizing and conducting a three-week training course for cyber Airmen. Ms. Diane Burton, Sherrill, Outstanding Civilian (Category I). An administrative assistant at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Burton developed an effective feedback tracker to correct deficiencies identified by EADS Inspector General. Burton directly enabled travel for 90 EADS members, scheduled and managed 130 medical appointments, and tracked the performance records of more than 170 Airmen. Staff Sgt. Michael Carson, Clark Mills, Outstanding Honor Guard Program Manager. A computer systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron, Carson volunteered to lead the Honor Guard as an additional duty. As program manager, Carson trained and supervised 15 Airmen, coordinated 35 funeral details and 28 color guard events, and orchestrated honor guard support for assumption of command and retirement ceremonies.

The Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group have named their annual award winners for 2018. "The EADS' air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Emil Filkorn, EADS Commander. "This year's winners distinguished themselves by going above and beyond our high standards. I congratulate them on their outstanding accomplishments and thank them for their efforts." The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, N.Y., 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 mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. This year, EADS recognized outstanding performers in seven categories: company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior noncommissioned officer, noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard program manager, and civilians in two categories. Master Sgt. Myles Macey, from Utica, N.Y., was recognized as the Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer. A cyber mission systems noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC) at the 224th Support Squadron, Macey oversaw a major systems upgrade and supervised the installation of more than 30 new servers. He also successfully led the unit's first-ever information assurance validation, which required the inspection of nearly 500 security controls. Other recipients include: Capt. Andrew Conklin, Fairfax Station, Va., Outstanding Company Grade Officer. The weapons and tactics chief at EADS Detachment 1 in Washington, D.C., Conklin authored a 32-page crew tactical coordination checklist and led a critical re-write of a NORAD operational document. Other accomplishments included integrating U.S. Coast Guard personnel into operations and successfully leading Det 1's participation in than a dozen high-level exercises. Tech. Sgt. Thomas Silva, Yorkville, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer. The NCOIC of exercises and training at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Silva played a key role in planning Sector support for more than 20 Presidential flights. Silva organized the unit's first continuation training plan and volunteered for more than 40 extra assignments. Senior Airman Amberly Sherman, Rome, Outstanding Junior Enlisted Airman. A tracking technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Sherman was primary tracker during the State of the Union address, helped coordinate 19 Presidential movements and volunteered for 12 additional assignments. Selected to attend a 1st Air Force leadership course, she participated in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Mr. Steve Barry, Baldwinsville, Outstanding Civilian (Category III). An information technology specialist with the 224th Support Squadron, Barry implemented an immersive cyber training program for the unit's computer technicians. Other achievements included leading an upgrade of the unit's Battle Control System, analyzing 14 technical manuals for Air Combat Command, and organizing and conducting a three-week training course for cyber Airmen. Ms. Diane Burton, Sherrill, Outstanding Civilian (Category I). An administrative assistant at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Burton developed an effective feedback tracker to correct deficiencies identified by EADS Inspector General. Burton directly enabled travel for 90 EADS members, scheduled and managed 130 medical appointments, and tracked the performance records of more than 170 Airmen. Staff Sgt. Michael Carson, Clark Mills, Outstanding Honor Guard Program Manager. A computer systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron, Carson volunteered to lead the Honor Guard as an additional duty. As program manager, Carson trained and supervised 15 Airmen, coordinated 35 funeral details and 28 color guard events, and orchestrated honor guard support for assumption of command and retirement ceremonies.

The Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group have named their annual award winners for 2018. "The EADS' air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Emil Filkorn, EADS Commander. "This year's winners distinguished themselves by going above and beyond our high standards. I congratulate them on their outstanding accomplishments and thank them for their efforts." The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, N.Y., 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 mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. This year, EADS recognized outstanding performers in seven categories: company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior noncommissioned officer, noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard program manager, and civilians in two categories. Award recipients were: Capt. Andrew Conklin, Fairfax Station, Va., Outstanding Company Grade Officer. The weapons and tactics chief at EADS Detachment 1 in Washington, D.C., Conklin authored a 32-page crew tactical coordination checklist and led a critical re-write of a NORAD operational document. Other accomplishments included integrating U.S. Coast Guard personnel into operations and successfully leading Det 1's participation in than a dozen high-level exercises. Master Sgt. Myles Macey, Utica, Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer. A cyber mission systems noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC) at the 224th Support Squadron, Macey oversaw a major systems upgrade and supervised the installation of more than 30 new servers. He also successfully led the unit's first-ever information assurance validation, which required the inspection of nearly 500 security controls. Tech. Sgt. Thomas Silva, Yorkville, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer. The NCOIC of exercises and training at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Silva played a key role in planning Sector support for more than 20 Presidential flights. Silva organized the unit's first continuation training plan and volunteered for more than 40 extra assignments. Senior Airman Amberly Sherman, Rome, Outstanding Junior Enlisted Airman. A tracking technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Sherman was primary tracker during the State of the Union address, helped coordinate 19 Presidential movements and volunteered for 12 additional assignments. Selected to attend a 1st Air Force leadership course, she participated in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Mr. Steve Barry, Baldwinsville, Outstanding Civilian (Category III). An information technology specialist with the 224th Support Squadron, Barry implemented an immersive cyber training program for the unit's computer technicians. Other achievements included leading an upgrade of the unit's Battle Control System, analyzing 14 technical manuals for Air Combat Command, and organizing and conducting a three-week training course for cyber Airmen. Ms. Diane Burton, Sherrill, Outstanding Civilian (Category I). An administrative assistant at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Burton developed an effective feedback tracker to correct deficiencies identified by EADS Inspector General. Burton directly enabled travel for 90 EADS members, scheduled and managed 130 medical appointments, and tracked the performance records of more than 170 Airmen. Staff Sgt. Michael Carson, Clark Mills, Outstanding Honor Guard Program Manager. A computer systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron, Carson volunteered to lead the Honor Guard as an additional duty. As program manager, Carson trained and supervised 15 Airmen, coordinated 35 funeral details and 28 color guard events, and orchestrated honor guard support for assumption of command and retirement ceremonies.

Sondra Smith, a resident of Burnt Hills, N.Y. and Iraq War veteran, has been promoted to Colonel in the New York Army National Guard. Smith pinned on her new rank during a promotion ceremony held January 13, 2019 at the New York Army National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. Smith now serves as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters, located in Troy, N.Y. Smith first enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve as a civil affairs specialist in May 2001. She received her commission as a Judge Advocate officer in December 2001. She has previously served as Staff Judge for the 53rd Troop Command, Judge Advocate for the New York Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Staff Judge Advocate for the Tennessee National Guard, Staff Judge Advocate in the Office of the Judge Advocate General International and Operational Law Division at the Pentagon, Brigade Judge Advocate and Trial Counsel in the 101st Airborne Division and as operational law attorney for the National Guard Bureau during Hurricane Katrina and Operation Jump Start. Smith deployed to Iraq in 2003. Smith received an Masters in Law degree with a specialty in Administrative and Civil Law at the Army Judge Advocate General Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, Virginia; a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Florida State University. She lives in Burnt Hills with sons Jacob and Mason.

The Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group have named their annual award winners for 2018. "The EADS' air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Emil Filkorn, EADS Commander. "This year's winners distinguished themselves by going above and beyond our high standards. I congratulate them on their outstanding accomplishments and thank them for their efforts." The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support Squadron, located in Rome, N.Y., 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 mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S. This year, EADS recognized outstanding performers in seven categories: company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior noncommissioned officer, noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard program manager, and civilians in two categories. Award recipients were: Capt. Andrew Conklin, Fairfax Station, Va., Outstanding Company Grade Officer. The weapons and tactics chief at EADS Detachment 1 in Washington, D.C., Conklin authored a 32-page crew tactical coordination checklist and led a critical re-write of a NORAD operational document. Other accomplishments included integrating U.S. Coast Guard personnel into operations and successfully leading Det 1's participation in than a dozen high-level exercises. Master Sgt. Myles Macey, Utica, Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer. A cyber mission systems noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC) at the 224th Support Squadron, Macey oversaw a major systems upgrade and supervised the installation of more than 30 new servers. He also successfully led the unit's first-ever information assurance validation, which required the inspection of nearly 500 security controls. Tech. Sgt. Thomas Silva, Yorkville, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer. The NCOIC of exercises and training at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Silva played a key role in planning Sector support for more than 20 Presidential flights. Silva organized the unit's first continuation training plan and volunteered for more than 40 extra assignments. Senior Airman Amberly Sherman, Rome, Outstanding Junior Enlisted Airman. A tracking technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Sherman was primary tracker during the State of the Union address, helped coordinate 19 Presidential movements and volunteered for 12 additional assignments. Selected to attend a 1st Air Force leadership course, she participated in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Mr. Steve Barry, Baldwinsville, Outstanding Civilian (Category III). An information technology specialist with the 224th Support Squadron, Barry implemented an immersive cyber training program for the unit's computer technicians. Other achievements included leading an upgrade of the unit's Battle Control System, analyzing 14 technical manuals for Air Combat Command, and organizing and conducting a three-week training course for cyber Airmen. Ms. Diane Burton, Sherrill, Outstanding Civilian (Category I). An administrative assistant at the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Burton developed an effective feedback tracker to correct deficiencies identified by EADS Inspector General. Burton directly enabled travel for 90 EADS members, scheduled and managed 130 medical appointments, and tracked the performance records of more than 170 Airmen. Staff Sgt. Michael Carson, Clark Mills, Outstanding Honor Guard Program Manager. A computer systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron, Carson volunteered to lead the Honor Guard as an additional duty. As program manager, Carson trained and supervised 15 Airmen, coordinated 35 funeral details and 28 color guard events, and orchestrated honor guard support for assumption of command and retirement ceremonies.

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.

Two cadets received their commissions as Army second lieutenants through the Mohawk Battalion's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program during a ceremony held at the New York National Guard's Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham, N.Y. January 12, 2019. Newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants Alyssa Griffith and Samuel Goldenberg began their military careers as officers in the Army National Guard following the oath and pinning of new rank with family and friends in attendance.

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 Senior Master Sgt. Amie Moore, a resident of Wynantskill, N.Y., was selected as the 109th Airlift Wing's Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2018, based on her superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Moore joined the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York, in 2007 as part of the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Before joining the Wing, she served 10 years in the Army National Guard and then with New York Air National Guard's 105th AW in Newburgh, N.Y. She is currently the 109th LRS first sergeant where she manages the squadron's family support programs, awards and decoration packages, and professional ceremonies. Sergeant Moore obtained her Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences through Alfred State College and then continued her education to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in Health Education at State University of New York, Cortland, in 2001. Sergeant Moore resides in Wynantskill with her husband, Paul, and daughters, Reagan and Adeline. She is the daughter of Michael and Candyse Clarke, both of Cohocton, N.Y.

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.

ROME, N.Y - Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of two 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: Paul M. Bishop, Rome, to the rank of Colonel. Bishop is the Commander of the 224th Support Squadron. Kellan W. Sisson, Rome, to the rank of Master Sergeant. Sisson is a Weapons Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) at the 224th Air Defense 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.

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.