Canastota resident receives Air National Guard award

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently recognized five New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance.

Recognized Airmen included Senior Master Sgt. Carrie Pelland from Canastota, N.Y., who received the Meritorious Service Medal.

The 224th Air Defense Squadron's air picture management section chief, Pelland was recognized for orchestrating multiple radars during 100 Presidential flights. An experienced weapons director, Pelland's additional accomplishments included controlling 24 practice and exercise scrambles for flying units, teaching 285 academic hours and conducting 11 crew exercises.

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.