Clinton resident named Outstanding Senior NCO at Eastern Air Defense Sector

The Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) and the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) have named their annual award winners for the past year.

"The nation's air defense mission requires engaged and consistent excellence from all of our members," said Col. Joseph F. Roos, 224th ADG Commander. "The COVID-19 pandemic made this past year unusually difficult and our winners distinguished themselves by exceeding our demanding requirements. I congratulate them on their outstanding accomplishments and thank them for their efforts."

Award recipients included:

Master Sgt. Robert Aikins, Clinton, N.Y., Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer. Aikins, the Security Forces Operations Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge at the 224th Support Squadron, identified and corrected more than 20 deficiencies as the leader of the Commander's Inspection Program, overhauled the unit fitness program, and coordinated an integrated defense council. Aikins was also the primary coordinator for an Air National Guard training course in Rome that more than 80 Airmen from across New York attended.

The 224th ADG is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron and 224th Support 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.

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.