Col. Al Ricci, a Ballston Lake Resident and Iraq War Vet Retires from New York Army National Guard

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Col. Al Ricci greets his daughters at the conclusion of his final flight as an Army aviator on Oct. 28, 2014 at the flight facility in Latham New York.

LATHAM, NY (11/15/2014)(readMedia)-- Col. Albert Ricci Sr., a Ballston Lake resident and Iraq War veteran, is retiring from the New York Army National Guard after 29 years of military service.

Ricci finishes his career as commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, which recently returned from a ten-month deployment to Kuwait. During that deployment Ricci was in charge of U.S. Army aviation operations in that country, which included conducting exercises with Saudi Arabia and other allied countries, and working with the U.S. Navy and British Royal Navy in the Persian Gulf.

Ricci was commissioned through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program in 1985. After finishing Aviation Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker , Alabama he served in a variety of leadership positions in the Active Army as an aviator. These included service in Germany and Fort Ord, California and a deployment to South America in support of a Presidential trip.

Ricci joined the New York Army National Guard in 1997 as an Active Guard and Reserve Officer.

He deployed to Iraq twice: once in 2004-2006 as the Operations Officer for the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade and a second time as the commander of the 3rd Battalion 142nd Aviation in 2008-2010.

He took command of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in 2010.

Ricci holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Bachelors degree from Empry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aeronautical Studies.

He holds FAA licenses as a commercial airplane pilot and helicopter pilot.

Ricci's awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, the Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal 2nd award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal,  the Defense of Liberty with WTC device presented to  National Guard members who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; the Master Army Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge

Ricci and his wife Diane, have a twin son and daughter AJ & Kaelin, and another daughter Briley.