New York National Guard Major Pete Riley Takes Command of NYC Security Force

Warwick native now commands National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield at Fort Hamilton

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New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, left, Director of the Joint Staff, passes the guidon of Joint Task Force Empire Shield to Maj. Peter Riley during his change of command ceremony.

LATHAM, NY (04/14/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield said farewell to Lt. Col. Greg Dreisbach as their commander during a change of command ceremony here at Fort Hamilton April 13 to welcome Maj. Peter Riley from Warwick, N.Y. as their new commander.

Riley, previously assigned to the 53rd Army Liaison Team in Manhattan, received Dreisbach's position with the historic exchange of colors.

"I am immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to stand next to you all," said Dreisbach. "Through out my time here with [JTF-ES] I was never in doubt because each of us was doing our part to always be ready for the fight."

Maj. Riley served as the Deputy Personnel Officer (G1) with the 42nd Infantry Division in Tikrit, Iraq, and was a former Headquarters Detachment Commander of Camp Smith Training Site. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the NYS Defense of Liberty Medal (w/ World Trade Center 9/11 service device).

"I'll tell you that this is a great crew [that has been built]," said New York National Guard Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne. "The families have also been a continued excellent support of Empire Shield as well."

Maj. Riley is currently on a leave of absence with his Civilian job with the ADP Retirement Services in Florham Park, N.J. He lives with his wife Maryanne, a special education teacher, son Conner and daughter Quinn.

"Together we can be vigilant and protect this country we love so much, I look forward to working with all of [these servicemembers]," said Riley.

For more information about the New York National Guard, visit www.dmna.state.ny.us.