Cicero resident, Rowland Towle, promoted to Master Sergeant

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of Master Sgt. Rowland Towle from the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) in recognition of his capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Master Sgt. Rowland Towle, from Cicero, N.Y., is a Security Forces Craftsman in the 224th Security Forces Squadron. He was promoted January 5, 2024 in Rome, N.Y.

The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces 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.