New York National Guard

New York Air National Guard Colonel Stephen J. Maher, a Slingerlands resident, has retired from the military after serving over 30 years of service during a retirement ceremony held at the Joint Forces Headquarters, New York Air National Guard (ANG) in Latham, New York, October 14. Maher began his military career in 1987 as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. During his time with the navy, he deployed throughout the Middle East in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Following his naval service, he joined the New York State Air National Guard in 1996 where he most recently served as the Staff Judge Advocate for the New York State Air National Guard. As the Staff Judge Advocate, Maher was the senior legal advisor to The Adjutant General of New York and the ANG commanders of the five wings and the Eastern Air Defense Sector. He is a 1979 graduate of Holland Patent Central High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983 from Hobart College in Geneva, New York. Maher went on to earn his law degree from Albany Law School and his master's degree from the University of Rhode Island. From 1987 until 1996, Maher served with the United States Navy in various roles including Defense Council, Trail Counsel, and Staff Judge Advocate. Upon entering the New York Air National Guard in 1996, he served as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate while assigned to 109th Airlift Wing, Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady. Throughout the remainder of his Air National Guard career, Maher provided legal advice and support while serving as the Air Operations Judge Advocate at Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions Prosecution Team at the Pentagon, Staff Judge Advocate at New York's Joint Force Headquarters, Air National Guard Assistant Judge Advocate at Tyndall AFB, and the Air National Guard Assistant Judge Advocate at Lackland AFB. During his service with the ANG, he deployed in support Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Deep Freeze. His military awards and decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 3 "M" Devices, Navy Pistol Shot Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kuwait Liberation Government of Kuwait Medal. In his civilian life, Maher is Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Investigations with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations where he oversees 200 investigators in statewide criminal and administrative cases involving narcotics, sex crimes, criminal intelligence, threats, fugitive apprehensions, internal affairs, and a variety of other areas in a system serving more than 120,000 people. He was formerly a deputy bureau chief with the New York Attorney General's Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau. Maher is also an adjunct professor at Utica College where he teaches in the cyber-security graduate program. Maher is the son of New Hartford resident James Maher and the late Sandra Maher. He has three children Jimmy, Nate and Libby.

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

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

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Oswego resident Matthew Liepke, MD has been promoted to Colonel in the New York Army National Guard. Liepke, was promoted during a Friday, September 15 ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters. Liepke a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan War, is the New York Army National Guard State Surgeon, the highest ranking Army medical officer in the state. Liepke served as an enlisted member in the Army Reserves from 1992 until 2005. He then joined the New York Army National Guard, where he was assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade as the Battalion Surgeon. Liepke deployed to Iraq in 2007 with the 27th Infantry Brigade and then in 2011 to Afghanistan with the 402nd Military Police Battalion. Liepke holds 2 Bachelor of Science Degrees from Clarkson University in Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene/ Environmental Toxicology and graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University with a Doctor of Medicine in 2000. He is board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics. Liepke's awards include: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, NATO-ISAF Medal for Afghanistan and the Meritorious Unit Citation. Liepke and his wife Christina have two children, Matthew and Samuel.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation. The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony. The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The New York Army National Guard welcomed 45 new Soldiers to their units during the August 13 ceremonies around the state.

New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna resident and Iraq veteran took command of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Regiment, on Saturday, September 9 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Lt. Col. Jason Lefton earned his commission in June 1996 from Marion Military Institute and joined the New York Army National Guard in August 1996. He served as a Field Artillery officer from 1996 until 2000 when he became an Army Aviator. Lefton trained as a UH-60 pilot and joined the 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation. Lefton is also qualified as a UH-1 and CH-47 pilot. He has served as an Aviation detachment commander, a battalion personnel officer, intelligence officer, and Battalion executive officer. Lefton deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 with the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation and deployed to Kuwait in 2013-2014 with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. In 2001 he deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in support of NATO Stabilization Force. Lefton holds a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Albany and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Officer Course, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Advance Operations and Warfighting Course. Lefton's awards include: the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Air Assault badge, two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the NATO Medal. Lefton is a full time National Guard officer. He also has civilian work experience as a fully registered representative in the financial services industry. He holds a Commercial Helicopter Pilot license and Single Engine Airplane license. Lefton is married to the former Heather Zimmerman and lives in Niskayuna, NY. They have two sons named Mack Levi Lefton and Seth Gage Lefton.

New York Army National Guard Soldier, AshLee Coye, has been promoted to major. Coye is a Ravena native but currently residing in Latham, N.Y. Coye, was promoted during a Tuesday, September 12 ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters. She is the full-time federal technician for the New York Army National Guard, responsible for personnel services and mobilizations. Coye enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in August 2003 where she served as an air transportation journeyman in Westover,

The New York Army National Guard commissioned its newest officers August 19, 2017 following their successful completion of Officer Candidate School. Four newly commissioned second lieutenants of the New York Army National Guard and their families received their oath of commissioning and officer's rank, led by New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michel Natali, commander of the 53rd Troop Command.

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

East Greenbush resident Sean Fredericks, has been promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Four in the New York Army National Guard. Fredericks, was promoted during a Wednesday, August 23 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters.

Army Major General Harry E. Miller Jr., a '76 graduate of Pittsburgh"s Shaler Area High School, received the Distinguished Service Medal for his service as Commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, during an August 12 ceremony in Garden City, N.Y. Miller, who is currently serving on active duty with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C., commanded the division from April 2013 until February of this year. The 42nd Infantry Division, headquartered in Troy NY, is one of eight National Guard Divisions and consists of subordinate brigades from New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New Jersey. Miller was recognized during a ceremony being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the 42nd Infantry Division's activation. Nicknamed the Rainbow Division, the division was organized from National Guard units of 26 states and the District of Columbia during World War I. Then Major Douglas MacArthur gave the division its name when he said it would reach across the country like a rainbow. After graduating from high school, Miller attended Valley Forge Military Jr. College from 1976-1978 and received his commission in May 1980 through the ROTC program at Washington and Jefferson College. He later earned a Master's in Business Administration from St. Martin's College and a Master's in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He served on active duty for over twelve-years with assignments to the 1st Armored Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 1st Special Forces Group. In 1995 General Miller joined the New Hampshire National Guard where he served as Commander of the 54th Troop Command, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, and Director of Joint Operations. After being promoted to Brigadier General he served as the Director of Doctrine, Training, and Force Development on the Joint Staff of the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, VA. Miller has served two combat tours in Iraq. During his first tour he was assigned to the Iraq Assistance Group as the senior advisor to Iraqi Security Forces along the Iraq/Iran border. During his second tour he served with the 5th Special Forces Group and the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula as the senior advisor to the Commanding General Multinational Corps Iraq. From September 2010 to January 2012, he served as Senior Commander, Fort Drum, NY and the 10th Mountain Division. He and his family reside in Nashua, NH.

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

Army Major General Harry E. Miller Jr., a Nashua resident, received the Distinguished Service Medal in honor of his service as commander of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division, during an August 12 ceremony in Garden City, N.Y. Miller, who is currently serving as the Deputy Director for Strategic Integration and the Mobilization Assistant to the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, commanded the division from April 2013 until March of this year. In his current job, Miller is the principal advisor to the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency on the integration and employment of over 1200 Reserve and National Guard service members who support the agency. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for exceptional service. While it is headquartered in Troy, N.Y. the 42nd Infantry Division is aligned with National Guard units in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New Jersey for training. Miller was recognized during a ceremony being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the 42nd Infantry Division. The division was originally organized at a military camp where Garden City is today.

Colonel Marlon E. Crook Sr took command of the 105th Mission Support Group, a part of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing, during a ceremony here on Saturday. August 5. Crook, an Ohio resident who is moving to the Orange County area, was previously the senior National Guard advisor to the United States Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Maryland. Crook has served in the military since 1989 when he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard as an artilleryman in Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 28th Field Artillery. He was commissioned as an Army National Guard Officer in 1993 through the University of Notre Dame ROTC program and served in the Army National Guard in Ohio and Indiana until transferring to the Ohio Air National Guard in 1997. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Crook deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and worked on special communications projects in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. He became a full-time National Guard Officer in 2005 and accepted a position with the communications section of the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C. He has served in a number of communications related positions since then. Crook holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a graduate of the Air War College and the Naval War College. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Major Roland Wells, an Amsterdam resident, is ending his military career after 29 years of service. Wells, most recent assignment is as chief medical non-commissioned officer for the 42nd Infantry Division in Troy, N.Y. He has also worked full-time with the New York National Guard's Counterdrug Task Force at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia. The Counterdrug Task Force provide assistance to law enforcement and also works with civilian anti-drug groups. Well's service was recognized during an August 11 ceremony at New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters here. Wells joined the New York Army National guard as a medic in 1989 and served with Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 105th Infantry. Since then he has served with the Charlie Company of the 427th Support Battalion, as the nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare non-commissioned officer for the New York Army National Guard's 56th Personnel Services Battalion, as a platoon sergeant in Headquarters Troop of the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and as first sergeant of the 222nd Chemical Company in Brooklyn. Wells also served as the Command Sergeant Major for the 369th Special Troops Battalion in Harlem. Wells is a veteran of the War in Iraq and holds a Master's of Science in Information Technology Management and Bachelors of Science in heath Science. He has attended a number of military schools. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon. Wells and his wife Amy have two children, Brianna and Alexis.

Major General Anthony P. German, 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 Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

New York Air National Guard Col. Denise Donnell, a Clifton Park resident, took command of the 105th Airlift Wing from Col. Howard Wagner during a ceremony here on Sunday, August 6. Donnell ,a command pilot with more than 3,800 hours of flying time in seven different types of aircraft who has been serving as the wing vice commander, is the first woman to command one of the New York Air National Guard's five flying wings. Wagner, who has led the wing since 2016, is retiring after a 34-year military career. "Col. Donnell is a highly qualified officer with the experience and training to lead the 1,300 men and women of the 105th Airlift Wing," said Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York and commander of the New York Air National Guard. "I am proud of her past accomplishments and look forward to seeing where she will lead the 105th in the future."

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. -- Winslow Township resident Steven Ferrari, a veteran of the War in Iraq and commander of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division, was promoted to two-star Major General in the New York Army National Guard on Saturday, August 12 during a ceremony to honor the centennial of the 42nd Division at the division's Camp Mills mobilization site near Garden City, New York. Ferrari, who joined the Army Reserve in 1981, has served as the commander of the historic "Rainbow" Division since May 6. He had previously served as Assistant Division Commander for the combat headquarters since 2011. The ceremony took place at the Rainbow Division World War One Memorial, erected by Rainbow division veterans in 1940, which marks the site of Camp Mills and commemorates the division's World War I service. The monument was renovated earlier this year at a cost of just over $9,000 with the village of Garden City and the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation splitting the cost. A number of famous Soldiers served in the 42nd Infantry Division during World War I, including Col. Douglas McArthur, who came up with the concept of the division; Lt. Col. William "Wild Bill" Donovan who won the Medal of Honor; Sgt. Joyce Kilmer, who wrote the poem "Trees"; and Father Francis Duffy, the fighting Catholic Priest, Ferrari noted during his remarks. But most of the division's Soldiers, then and now, are just good Soldiers who do their duty to the best of their ability, Ferrari said. One of those World War I Soldiers was Pvt. Martin Treptow, who enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and joined the division as a member of the 168th Infantry Regiment, Ferrari said. Treptow served as a runner--a Soldier who carried messages in the days before radio--and was killed in July 1918. After his death his diary was found and a passage Treptow wrote summarizes how Rainbow Soldiers have always served, the general said. "America must win this war," Treptow wrote. "Therefore I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.'' Treptow is typical of the Soldiers of this division, "who I am so proud to be associated with," Ferrari said. "It is a privilege and it is an honor to lead the 42nd Division," Ferrari said. The 42nd Infantry Division is based in Troy, N.Y. but has training responsibility over National Guard brigades throughout the northeast including units in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In 2005, the 42nd Infantry Division was responsible for command of 23,000 Soldiers in north-central Iraq for combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 42nd Infantry Division is also responsible for the Federal Emergency Management Region II Homeland Response Force which can deploy 1,200 New York and New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in the event of an emergency. Ferrari joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in January 1981 and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning Georgia in March 1982. He served as an Active Duty, full-time, Guardsman from June 1986 to August 2011. Ferrari served as the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008-2009) which served as a Security Force Brigade with duties in Camp Cropper, Camp Bucca, Balad, Ashraf and Baghdad. He has held numerous field artillery staff assignments and leadership positions at the battery and battalion level before assignments to the New Jersey Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters as Director of Military Support, Strategic Planner and Chief of Staff. His military education includes the Army War College, Dual Status Commander Course, Army Strategic Leadership Development Program - Intermediate and Basic, Command and General Staff Officer Course, Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, and the Master Fitness Trainers Course. He holds a Bachelor's of Science in Business Information Systems and a Master's degree in Strategic Studies. Ferrari's awards include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hourglass and M Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, and the New York Meritorious Service Medal. Ferrari and his wife Tracy have four children Steven, Nicholas, William and Malyssa.

New York Army National Guard Col. Theresa VanCort, a Schenectady resident and an Afghanistan War veteran, has retired from the National Guard after 36 years of military service.

Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's Bravo Company, 642 Aviation Support Battalion spent their 2017 annual training (AT) out of state, heading across Long Island Sound July 22 from their home station at Ronkonkoma to apply their maintenance skills on Army aircraft in need of repair. The company deployed 36 Soldiers to Groton in order to provide support to the Connecticut Army National Guard's 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group (TASMG). The unit is one of only four facilities of its type in the Army and Army National Guard.

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation. The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony. The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training. The New York Army National Guard welcomed 111 new Soldiers to their units during the May 21 ceremonies around the state.

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

New York Army National Guard Colonel Christopher R. Cronin, a Victor resident, who currently serves as commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, has graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The War College provides graduate-level instruction to senior military officers and civilians to prepare them for senior leadership assignments and responsibilities. Each year about 800 Active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard colonels and lieutenant colonels are enrolled in the college. Half the students, like Cronin, enroll in a two-year long distance learning program that includes two-week sessions at the Carlisle Campus. The other students take part in a ten-month resident program. Graduates receive a master's degree in Strategic Studies. "The educational highlight of this program for me was understanding the strategic implications of gray zone wars in the current volatile and complex global environment," said Cronin. Cronin graduated from the course on July 28.

New York Army National Guard Pfc. Tyler Wilson, a Rochester resident and an infantryman assigned to Charlie Troop, 2nd Battalion, 101st Cavalry stands guard at an observation post at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia, during exercise Talisman Saber, on July 14 in this photograph. Wilson is one of 800 New York Army National Guard Soldiers who is in Australia as part of a joint Australian/ American training exercise called Talisman Sabre. The exercise is held every other year and involves 30,000 Australian and American military personnel at six different locations conducting field exercises and command and control exercises.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. Anthony Coppola, a Lackawanna resident who is an assistant team leader assigned to Charlie Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment stands guard at an observation post at the Australian military training site at Shoalwater Bay in Queensland Australia on July 14 in this photograph. Coppola is one of 800 New York Army National Guard Soldiers who is in Australia as part of a joint Australian/ American training exercise called Talisman Sabre. The exercise is held every other year and involves 30,000 Australian and American military personnel at six different locations conducting field exercises and command and control exercises.

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

Catherine A. Hutson, a Manlius resident and veteran of the Iraq War, has been promoted to Colonel in the New York Air National Guard. Hutson, the commander of the 174th Maintenance Group was promoted during a June 29 ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. Hutson has served in the Air Force and Air National Guard since 1991, when she graduated from the Air Force ROTC program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute.