Chief Master Sergeant Christopher P. Cushman, a Marcellus resident, retires from New York Air National Guard

Cushman had over 30 years of service in the Air Force and Air National Guard

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HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE,, NY (11/15/2017) New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant Christopher P. Cushman, a Marcellus resident, has retired from the military after serving over 30 years.

Cushman was recognized for his service during a retirement ceremony held at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, in Syracuse, on Nov. 5.

Cushman began his military career in 1986 with a delayed enlistment in the United States Air Force.

After completing Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base and Missile Maintenance Specialist Technical training at Chanute Air Force BaseChief Cushman was assigned Grand Forks Air Force Base.

He was responsible for maintaining "Minute Man 3" Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles with the 321st Strategic Missile Wing.

He joined the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing of the New York Air National Guard in 1988 and transitioned from maintaining Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to loading conventional munitions on A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.

During his career with the 174th Cushman held multiple positions to include Aircraft Armament Specialist, Munitions Element Supervisor, and Quality Assurance Specialist and Wing Inspection Team member. His last position was as the Wing Weapons Manager, 174th Maintenance Group.

During his time with the 174th Cushman deployed for ten combat tours in support ofto include Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Provide Comfort II, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

His military awards and decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Campaign Stars, Iraqi Freedom Combat Medal, , Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 9 "M" Devices, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kuwait Liberation Government of Kuwait Medal.

In civilian life, Cushman is a Sargent with the Manlius Police where he oversees seven officers and assists in training many more.

Cushman and his wife Kathryn have three children Macey, Lilania, and Alaura.