Ceremony Welcomes New Top Enlisted Leader at 105th Airlift Wing this morning

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Chief Master Sgt. Mark Cozzupoli

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, NY (10/03/2015)(readMedia)-- Chief Master Sgt. Mark A. Cozzupoli, a veteran of deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, takes over as the top enlisted Airman in the 1,000- member 105th Airlift Wing today at 11 a.m.

Members of the press are invited to attend the change-of-authority ceremony as Cozzupoli takes over from Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Rizzo as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the wing. Rizzo is retiring after 33 years of military service.

WHO: Chief Master Sgt. Mark A. Cozzupoli, the incoming Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 105th Airlift Wing; Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Rizzo, the outgoing Command Chief Master Sergeant; Col. Timothy LaBarge, the commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, and the men and women of the 105th Airlift Wing.

WHAT: A Change of Authority ceremony in which Rizzo transfers the responsibilities of the senior enlisted Airman for representing enlisted force issues to the commander, and overseeing training of the enlisted force, to Cozzupoli. The two men will exchange the wing's colors, representing the transfer of authority, before a formation of Airmen.

WHEN: 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. (Members of the press should be at the main gate at 1030 for access to this secure military facility.)

WHERE: Stewart Air National Guard Base, 1 Maguire Way, Hangar 102, Newburgh, NY 12550

Members of the media must contact Major Patrick Cordova at 845-563-2040 or Capt. Eric Durkins at 845-563-2004 for access to this secure military facility.

Coverage Opportunities:

Media will be able to interview Chief Master Sgt. Cozzupoli, Chief Master Sgt. Rizzo and Col. LaBarge. Visual opportunities include troops in formation and the colors transfer ceremony.