New York National Guard

ROME, N.Y - The New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) recently promoted several Airmen in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen are: Jason Calandra, Rome, to Senior Airman. Calandra is a radio transmission systems technician 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.

ROME, N.Y - The New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) recently promoted eight Airmen in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen are: Jason Wallace, Cicero, to Technical Sergeant. Wallace is an identification 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 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.

Staff Sgt. Edward Pugh has been named the Air National Guard's Outstanding Honor Guard Member for 2019. A New York Air National Guardsman stationed at the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Pugh is a tracking technician instructor with the 224th Air Defense Squadron. He received the award for his selfless volunteer service as an Honor Guard member. Pugh participated in 10 military funerals and 27 color guard details last year, which included three Syracuse University basketball games, a joint service honor guard at New York State Fair, and a flag retirement ceremony for the Rome Memorial Day Association. Pugh also placed more than 900 wreaths on veterans' graves at a local cemetery and directed an elementary school Flag Day ceremony that was attended by more than 400 students. Pugh, who was named the New York Air National Guard Honor Guard Member of the Year in January, will now go on to compete for the overall Air Force Honor Guard award. The 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 224th Support Squadron make up the 224th Air Defense Group (ADG), a New York Air National Guard unit located in Rome. The 224th ADG, which also has two detachments in the Washington, D.C. area, 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. Gary Gillespie of Rome is the North American Aerospace Defense Command's Outstanding Junior Enlisted Airman for 2019. A New York Air National Guardsmen stationed at the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Gillespie is an intelligence analyst with the 224th Air Defense Squadron (ADS). He received the NORAD award for his outstanding training and instruction contributions and his work on the unit's cyber intelligence team. The NORAD award also recognized Gillespie's superb performance during four major NORAD and U.S. Northern Command exercises and his volunteer efforts in the community. This is the third Outstanding Airman award Gillespie has won this year. He received the Continental NORAD Region-1st Air Force award in March and EADS' Outstanding Airman award in January. 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. 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 Major General Kevin W. Bradley, a former commander of the 174th Attack Wing and a Manlius, N.Y., resident, retired this winter after 36 years of service in Washington D.C. on February 1, 2020. General Joseph Lengyel, Chief National Guard Bureau officiated his retirement ceremony. Bradley served as the Director of Operations, New York Air National Guard after relinquishing his command of the 174th Attack Wing in 2012. He continued his career as Assistant Adjutant General and Assistant to the Director for Plans and Requirements at Joint Force Headquarters, Air National Guard Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighter Integration, National Guard Assistant to the Commander, United States Cyber Command and the Director of the National Security Agency, MD; Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard, Pentagon Washington, D.C; Director, C4 Systems and Chief Information Officer, (J-6), NGB, Arlington, Va. and Acting Deputy Director Air National Guard, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. General Bradley received his Air Force commission through the Officer Training School program in 1984. After serving in the United States Air Force, General Bradley joined the New York Air National Guard in 1992 where he has commanded frontline combat units at the squadron, group and wing level. General Bradley is a command pilot with over 3,700 hours in the T-37, T-38, F-16 and MQ-9 aircraft and has flown combat missions in support of operations Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Prior to this assignment, he commanded the Air National Guard's first MQ-9 equipped wing. He was the Chairman of the Air National Guard Strategic Planning System and completed staff assignments in the United States Air Force SAF/CIO (A6) Secretariat, at United States Cyber Command/National Security Agency and served twice as the Acting Deputy Director of the Air National Guard. Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, attended and presented Bradley with the New York State Medal for more than 25 years of long and faithful service. Bradley is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

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 Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of three personnel 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: Ciera Ayers, Rome, to Technical Sergeant. Ayers is a knowledge operations manager 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 personnel 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: Laura Fontana, Rome, to Staff Sergeant. Fontana 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.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of three personnel 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: Jared Kraeger, Boonville, to Senior Airman. A member of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, Kraeger is tracking technician. 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 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.

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen were: 1st Lt. Quinn Tilley, Liverpool, Air Force Commendation Medal. Recently commissioned, Tilley received the award for his work while serving as an enlisted Airman at the 224th ADS, where he led a surveillance team that detected thousands of unknown radar tracks and validated 309 suspect aircraft. His surveillance work during three National Special Security Events helped provide security for more than 190 national and international leaders, including the President and Pope Francis. Tilley also created the first-ever validation and reporting matrix that merged advanced sensors with existing radars. 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. 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 (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen were: Maj. Joe Miller, Waterville, Meritorious Service Medal. The Assistant Chief of Standards and Evaluations at the 224th Air Defense Squadron (ADS), Miller performed superbly during four National Special Security Events, where he controlled nine air patrols that provided protection for the President, Congressional leaders and foreign dignitaries. Miller was also recognized for his work with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Inspector General team. 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. 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 (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen were: Tech. Sgt. Robert Aikins, Clinton, Meritorious Service Medal. A Security Forces Flight Chief with the 224th Support Squadron, Aikins re-wrote standards for eight exercises and conducted more than 60 evaluations that certified Airmen for critical duties. Aikins coordinated 185 training events, provided 300 hours of instruction and was the lead coordinator for EADS support of an Air Force One security detail during a Presidential visit to Rome. 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. 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 (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen include: Tech. Sgt. Anibal Verdejo, from New Hartford, N.Y., who received teh Air Force Commendation Medal. A Security Forces Flight Chief, Verdejo coordinated and conducted 16 position evaluation qualifications, which certified eight sergeants and eight Airmen in Security Forces operations. Verdejo led 24 internal inspections, which identified and corrected nine areas of undetected non-compliance. Selected for an Air Force One security detail, he worked directly with Secret Service personnel during a Presidential visit to Rome. 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. 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 (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen include: Staff Sgt. Brett Kilborne, from Rome, N.Y. who received the Air Force Commendation Medal. A Security Forces journeyman at the 224th Support Squadron, Kilborne oversaw a $150,000 closed-circuit television contract that incorporated 13 new cameras with analytics software into the unit's detection system. Kilborne also played a key role in developing 18 new task performance checklists and administered 38 position evaluations, which ensured the unit's Security Forces Airmen received the required training. 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. 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 (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen were: Staff Sgt. Adam Scott, Utica, Air Force Commendation Medal. A Security Forces journeyman at the 224th Support Squadron, Scott trained three firearms instructors, authored a master training plan and led maintenance efforts for 116 weapon systems worth more than $300,000. Scott coordinated and instructed more than 50 firearms classes at EADS and supported the 109th Airlift Wing pre-deployment combat arms training, where more than 70 Airmen qualified on five weapons platforms. 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. 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 (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently presented outstanding service medals to seven New York Air National Guardsmen. The Airmen were: Staff Sgt. Ian Stone, Clinton, Air Force Commendation Medal. A Security Forces journeyman, Stone voluntarily completed a rigorous 40-hour electronic security systems certification course, which enabled him to train and certify 27 Airmen on the latest base defense technologies. Stone also worked on an Air Force One security detail during a Presidential visit to Rome and volunteered to serve as a mentor in a local elementary school. 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. 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 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 personnel 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: Michael Geer, Oneida, to Lieutenant Colonel. Geer serves as the Senior Intelligence Officer 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.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of three personnel 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: Ryan LaClair, Rome, to Technical Sergeant. LaClair is a weapons director with 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 three personnel 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: Mitchell Zecca, Rome, to Technical Sergeant. A member of the 224th Support Squadron, Zecca is a mission system crew chief. 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 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, 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.

The Eastern Air Defense Sector and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group has named their annual award winners for 2019. "EADS' air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Paul Bishop, 224th Air Defense Group 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 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 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 members of it full-time force, Drill Status Guard (DSG) force - traditional National Guardsmen who serve one weekend a month - and federal civilians. Awards were presented in 11 separate categories: full-time and DSG company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior noncommissioned officer, full-time and DSG noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard program manager, and civilians in three categories. The annual awards ceremony was held at the Oneida Community Mansion House in Oneida on Saturday, Jan. 11. Award recipients were: Ms. Diane Burton, Sherrill, Outstanding Civilian (Category I, GS-7 & below)). Essential administrator whose clerical support enabled members' temporary duty travel, medical appointments and training. Also served as critical support for unit executive officer, ensuring personnel records were 100 percent accurate.

The Eastern Air Defense Sector and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group has named their annual award winners for 2019. "EADS' air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Paul Bishop, 224th Air Defense Group 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 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 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 members of it full-time force, Drill Status Guard (DSG) force - traditional National Guardsmen who serve one weekend a month - and federal civilians. Awards were presented in 11 separate categories: full-time and DSG company grade officer (junior officers below the rank of major), senior noncommissioned officer, full-time and DSG noncommissioned officer, junior enlisted airman, honor guard program manager, and civilians in three categories. The annual awards ceremony was held at the Oneida Community Mansion House in Oneida on Saturday, Jan. 11. Award recipients were: Capt. Joe Breunig, Geneseo, Outstanding Drill Status Guard Company Grade Officer. An expert cyber officer, Breunig developed 50 tests for one of the unit's new computer networks. Recognized for integrating his civilian skills with the military mission, Breunig helped improve unit budgeting methods and critical incident procedures. (Drill Status Guardsmen are traditional Air National Guardsmen who perform military duty one weekend a month)