Albany resident Justin Austin promoted to Sgt. 1st Class in the New York Army National Guard

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Sgt. 1st Class Justin Austin's son Ja'meer pins his fathers new rank on during an Oct. 7 ceremony as Major General Patrick Murphy looks on.

LATHAM, NY (10/09/2015)(readMedia)-- Justin Austin, an Albany resident and a veteran of the Iraq War, has been promoted to Sgt. 1st Class in the New York Army National Guard.

Austin, who currently serves as an enlisted aid to Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, was promoted during an October 7 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

Austin enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2002 and has serves as a Personnel Service Specialist, a liaison non-commissioned officer for the 42nd Infantry Division, Deployment Cycle Support Contingency Team Member, Human Resources Specialist, the discharge section non-commissioned officer in charge for the New York Army National Guard's personnel office, and most recently as an sergeant assigned to the Office of the Adjutant General.

He deployed to Iraq with the 29th Personnel Service Detachment and to Kuwait with the 4th Personnel Service Detachment.

His awards and decorations include; the Army Commendation Medal; the Army Achievement Medal; the Army Good Conduct Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Iraq Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal; and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Austin  resides in Albany with his son Ja'meer.