New York National Guard

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of nine Airmen 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 include Staff Sgt. Gennaro Anibarro, from Utica, N.Y. Anibarro is a weapons director at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. 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 nine Airmen 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 include Staff Sgt. Hannah Streeter, from Marcy, N.Y. Streeter is a material management specialist at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. 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 nine Airmen 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 included Staff Sgt. Alexandra Tracy, from Marietta, N.Y. Tracy is an identification technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. 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 nine Airmen 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 included Sr. Airman Megan Mills, from Syracuse, N,Y. Mills is a surveillance technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. 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 nine Airmen 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, identified by their new ranks, included Staff Sgt. Vanesa Alcorta, from Rome, N.Y. Alcorta is surveillance technician at the 224th Air Defense Squadron The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil. 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.

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 promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

The New York Army National Guard commissioned its newest officers August 7, 2022 following their successful completion of Officer Candidate School. Five 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 Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the Assistant Adjutant General, Army.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

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

Two New York Air National Guardsmen and a civilian member serving at the Eastern Air Defense Sector have received annual awards from NORAD and the U.S. Northern Command. Recipients include Lt. Col. Jennifer King, from Prospect, N.Y., named NORAD's Outstanding Field Grade Officer. A flight commander, she successfully supervised 52 Airmen during a wide variety of operations, including 28 temporary flight restrictions for presidential travel and 10 large-scale exercises. King also served as launch coordinator for the SpaceX mission to replenish the International Space Station, served as key member of the command and control system modernization team and coordinated with multiple agencies on new cruise missile defense capabilities. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th ADS and 224th SPTS, 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.

Two New York Air National Guardsmen and a civilian member serving at the Eastern Air Defense Sector have received annual awards from NORAD and the U.S. Northern Command. NORAD and Northern Command are headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Recipients include Airman 1st Class Megan Mills, from Syracuse, N.Y., named NORAD's Junior Enlisted Airman of the Year award. A surveillance technician, Mills detected more than 860 potential threats during 22 Presidential support missions and played an instrumental role in Operation Allied Refuge, monitoring 14 flights to the U.S. from Afghanistan. An accomplished graphic artist, Mills designed an infographic for the Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant's office and subsequently appeared on the Chief's leadership podcast. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th ADS and 224th SPTS, 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.

Two New York Air National Guardsmen and a civilian member serving at the Eastern Air Defense Sector have received annual awards from NORAD and the U.S. Northern Command. NORAD and Northern Command are headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Recipients included Alicia Morales, from Boonville, N.Y. Morales received the Northern Command's Category I Civilian of the Year. The 224th Air Defense Group's Unit Program Coordinator, Morales scheduled and de-conflicted more than 1,600 events and supported dozens of Distinguished Visitor tours. She verified 75 security clearances as the acting Security Manager, served as the assistant editor of the unit newsletter and managed invitations for EADS 9/11 20th anniversary event. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th ADS and 224th SPTS, 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 recognized six New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. The Airmen included Lt. Col. Peter Fitzgerald, from Cleveland, N.Y., who received the Meritorious Service Medal. A traditional, part-time Guardsman with the 224th Support Squadron, Fitzgerald developed an innovative technical solution that improved the unit's communications security while reducing computer hardware. Fitzgerald also played a key role in a major project that separated mission information and training information on EADS operations floor and provided significant contributions to five higher-headquarters projects. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, 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 recognized six New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. The Airmen included Maj. Joe Breunig, from Geneseo, N.Y., who received the Meritorious Service Medal. A traditional, part-time Guardsman who serves at the 224th Support Squadron, Breunig helped upgrade the unit's cyberspace architecture, which replaced outdated capabilities throughout the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northern Command. He also improved communication with mission partners and instituted several best-practice budgeting methods as a resource advisor. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, 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 recognized six New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. The Airmen included Tech. Sgt. Michael Carson, from Clinton, N.Y., who received the Air Force Commendation Medal. A client systems craftsman at the 224th Support Squadron, Carson enabled EADS continuous operations by coordinating solutions for 5,000 trouble tickets in the last four years. Carson also facilitated $750,000 in computer upgrades, implemented a new Air Force operating system for more than 300 users and dozens of i-Phones, and coordinated 271 ceremonies as the 224th Air Defense Group Honor Guard Program Manager. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, 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 recognized six New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. The Airmen included Tech. Sgt. Chris Dorion, from Syracuse, N.Y., who received the Air Force Commendation Medal. A mission defense team technician at the 224th Support Squadron, Dorion orchestrated 272 radar integrations for more than 200 presidential events over the last two years. Dorion also successfully managed 15 major system outages and 680 Federal Aviation Administration asset repairs, ensuring EADS around-the-clock mission was uninterrupted. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, 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 recognized six New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. The Airmen included Tech. Sgt. Javon Wimberly, from Sherrill, N.Y., who received the Air Force Achievement Medal. A cyber transport systems technician at 224th Support Squadron, Wimberly successfully integrated more than 200 radar feeds into EADS air picture, expanding the picture by hundreds of square miles and maximizing security for Presidential flights and other critical national events. He also managed the restoration of 21 mission-critical cameras in the National Capital Region and oversaw an equipment inventory of 317 items worth more than $2.6 million, guaranteeing 100 percent asset availability. The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, 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 recognized six New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance. The Airmen included Staff Sgt. Laura Fontana, from Rome, N.Y., who received the Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal. A Security Forces craftsman at the 224th Support Squadron, Fontana received the Commendation Medal for her work as the unit's Security Manager over a two-year period, where she processed security clearances for 40 Airmen and more than a dozen visitors. She also spearheaded a new Security Forces radio program and ensured all equipment complied fully with communications security directives. Fontana received the Achievement Medal for her outstanding effort in December 2020, when she completed 240 training exercise and evaluation outlines that established the initial performance metrics for data-driven decision making within Security Forces. . The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th SPTS, 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 Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of four Airmen 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 include 1st Lt. Nicholas Spine, from Rome, N.Y. Spine is an air weapons officer with the 224th Air Defense Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of four Airmen 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 include Master Sgt. Todd Davis, from Cold Brook, N.Y. Davis is the Mission Systems Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of four Airmen 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 include Master Sgt. Bryan Norman, from Oneida, N.Y. Norman is a Security Forces Flight Chief at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of four Airmen 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, identified by their new ranks, included Airman 1st Class Ethan O'Hara, from North Syracuse, N.Y. O'Hara is a mission systems technician at the 224th Support Squadron. The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 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 ADG, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

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

New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Matthew Dougherty, an Endicott, N.Y. resident, retired after 30 years of military service in a ceremony held at the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base June 6, 2022. Dougherty enlisted in the Air Force in 1992 and served seven years as an Avionic Sensors Technician where he attained the rank of staff sergeant. Dougherty applied for and was accepted into a competitive Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1999 when he separated from active duty and attended the Rochester Institute of Technology to pursue a degree while simultaneously attending the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. He received his commission in May 2002 from the ROTC program and re-entered active service with the Air Force, serving for a little over four years before joining the New York Air National Guard in December of 2006 as a traditional Guardsman. Dougherty assumed duties as the 174th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander in November 2017. While in this role, he commanded 86 personnel and was responsible for Avionics, Crew Chief and Weapons maintenance personnel on the MQ-9 RPA systems. Prior to the 174th Maintenance Squadron Commander, Dougherty led a maintenance organization of 80 personnel responsible for MQ-9 RPA maintenance, its control systems and munitions maintenance. He directed activities and executed budget while adhering to fiscal limitations and enforcing supply discipline. Dougherty is the recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal.

New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant David M. Lathrop, a Baldwinsville, N.Y. resident and veteran of the first Gulf War, retired after 35 years of National Guard service in a ceremony held June 5, 2022, at the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. Lathrop enlisted in May 1987 and completed his initial Aircraft Fuel System apprentice course at Chanute Air Force Base, Ill., in October 1987. His first duty was working as an A-10 Aircraft Fuel Systems Maintenance Technician with the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing in Syracuse, then still flying F-16 Fighting Falcons. He was hired as a full time Air Technician for the 174th Maintenance Squadron as an F-16 Aircraft Electrical Systems specialist in December 1989. His background includes maintaining multiple Mission Design Series' to include A-10A Thunderbolt II, F-16A/B/C/D Fighting Falcon and MQ-9A Reaper aircraft. Lathrop has held positions as Aircraft Structural Maintenance supervisor, Fabrication Element supervisor, Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) specialist, Munitions Element Supervisor, Aircrew Flight Equipment Supervisor, Force Support Squadron Superintendent, Inspector General Superintendent and Quality Assurance Superintendent and most recently as the 174th Maintenance Group Superintendent. When asked what one of his most memorable moments was, Lathrop said it was the ability to serve overseas with family members. "Deploying to Saudi Arabia in 1991 for Operation Desert Shield/Storm with my father, Senior Master Sgt. Mack Lathrop and my brother, Master Sgt Tom Lathrop was an amazing experience." One message he said he would leave to the Airmen currently serving and to the future Airmen is to embrace new experiences and new responsibilities. "Get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, diversify your experience and expertise in order to be ready for increased responsibility," he said.

Lt. Col. Aaron R. Mahoney, a Utica resident, formally took command of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Support Squadron Thursday afternoon during a change of command ceremony at the Eastern Air Defense Sector. Mahoney took command from Col. Jeffrey W. Kerneklian, who is retiring. Col. Joseph F. Roos, the 224th Air Defense Group Commander, officiated the ceremony, which was attended by approximately 75 Airmen. "Lt. Col. Mahoney has served in several different capacities during his career and has been an outstanding leader at every stop along the way," Col. Roos said. "Lt. Col. Mahoney is taking over a highly-trained, effective squadron and I am confident his experience, management skills and sound judgment will enable the unit to continue its superb work in support of our air defense mission." Born in Utah and raised in Kodiak Island, Alaska, Mahoney attended Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, where he graduated with a business administration degree in 1995. Mahoney joined the Wyoming Air National Guard in 1997 and transferred to the Oregon Air National Guard a year later. Mahoney earned his commission as a second lieutenant in 2001. After commissioning, he served in the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing as the equal opportunity action officer, the training and education officer, and commander of the unit's services flight. In December 2004, Mahoney deployed to Iraq, where he conducted convoy operations as part of the 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group. In 2007, Mahoney joined the Oregon Air National Guard's 116th Air Control Squadron as an air weapons officer. He subsequently served at the Joint Air Defense Operations Center in Washington, D.C. as an air liaison officer for one year before transferring to the New York Air National Guard at EADS in 2010. Since joining EADS, Mahoney has held several leadership positions in the 224th Air Defense Squadron, serving as chief of the weapons and tactics section and the standards and evaluation section. He has also served as a flight commander, a mission crew commander and as the squadron's assistant director of operations. Prior to his current assignment, Mahoney was the 224th Air Defense Group's Inspector General. Mahoney holds a master's degree in joint operational warfare from Air Command and Staff College and is a graduate of nine Air Force or Department of Defense courses, including Squadron Officer School and the undergraduate air battle management course. The 224th Support Squadron is a subordinate unit of the 224th Air Defense Group. The 224th ADG provides the New York Air National Guard personnel to conduct the EADS mission. A North American Aerospace Defense Command headquarters unit, EADS is tasked with the air defense of the eastern U.S. Responsible for critical air defense systems and functions, the 224th Support Squadron installs, maintains, repairs and defends computer networks, communications and radar equipment, conducts physical plant maintenance and engineering, and provides EADS' Security Forces and administrative support. For more information about the New York Air National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov. For more information on the 224th Air Defense Group and the Eastern Air Defense Sector, visit www.eads.ang.af.mil.

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 Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Airmen at the New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Promoted Airmen include Amanda Krisel, Baldwinsville, to Senior Airman. A member of the 174th Air Attack Wing, Kriesel is personalist. The 174th Attack Wing is comprised of units that operate and support the MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft, both locally and nationally, located in Syracuse. The wing provides qualified airmen and weapon systems for joint global air, space and cyberspace operations, in support of homeland defense and to aid civil authorities at the direction of the Governor of New York State. 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 Airmen for a career in the New York Air National Guard.