Rome resident receives Air National Guard award

The 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) at the Eastern Air Defense Sector recently recognized five New York Air National Guardsmen for outstanding performance.

Recognized Airmen included 2nd Lt. Ray Shively, from Rome, N.Y., who received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Recently commissioned, Shively was recognized for his work as an enlisted Airman, where he developed a new surveillance technician qualification program for more than 90 Airmen and supported 46 tactical actions during 72 Presidential movements. Other accomplishments included planning 40 training missions and scheduling more than 4,400 training hours.

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