New York Air National Guard Major Michelle Buonome Honored by Federal Executive Association

Rotterdam Junction resident recognized for her community volunteer work

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Major Michelle Buonome

LATHAM, NY (05/21/2013)(readMedia)-- New York Air National Guard Major Michelle, Buonome, a Rotterdam Junction resident, has been honored by the Northeastern New York Federal Executive Association for her work as a community volunteer.

Buonome, the 6,000-member New York Air National Guard's Director of Personnel, received the association's award for Community Service Outside the Agency, during the Federal Executive Association's Public Service Recognition Ceremony at Albany Shaker Ridge Country Club on May 9.

Buonome, a 16-year member of the New York Air National Guard, was honored for her work with the Spina Bifida Association of Northeast New York.

For the last three years Buonome has been the coordinator for the group's annual Walk and Roll 5K fundraiser. When Buonome first got involved the in 2011 there were 100 participants who raised $8,000. This past year 180 walkers participated, raising $26,000.

Buonome is also a member of the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council which raises money to assist family members of New York Army and Air National Guard Soldiers and Airmen when their military member is deployed. She assists in fundraising and logistics support for the events.

At work, Buonome has been involved in working in minority outreach for the civilian work force and also has worked to secure funding so the New York National Guard could hire civilian employees with disabilities.

The Federal Executive Association is a group of federal agency managers who work to promote efficiency in the conduct of the business of government by cooperation and coordination among all federal government departments.

Buonome, who is married to Ralph Buonome, enlisted in the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard base in 1997. In 2002 she was commissioned as a second lieutenant, She has been assigned to Air National Guard Headquarters since 2010 except for a six-month deployment   to Al Udied Air Base Qatar in 2012 and 2013.