Tech Sgt. Jarrod Becker, a Rome resident, is the New York Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2023

Outstanding Airman serves in the Eastern Air Defense Sector's 224th Air Defense Squadron

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ROME, NEW YORK (02/13/2023) Tech. Sgt. Jarrod Becker, a Rome resident, who serves in the Eastern Air Defense Sector's 224th Air Defense Squadron, has been named the 5,880-member New York Air National Guard's Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2023.

Becker serves as a weapons director and weapons director evaluator and instruction for the 224th at Griffiss Technology Park. The 224th Air Defense Squadron conducts the Eastern Air Defense Sector's mission of aerospace defense of the continental United States East of the Mississippi.

Becker enlisted in the Air Force in 2011 and served in the 726th Air Control Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho until January 2016.

He deployed to Afghanistan twice during that period and joined the New York Air National Guard and the Eastern Air Defense Sector in 2016.

Becker is one of five New York Air National Guard members who were identified as outstanding Airmen for their ranks. He will not go onto compete against his peers in the 53 other state and territorial Air National Guards.

The 2023 New York Outstanding Airmen of the Year represent the best members serving our nation, state, and community," said New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson.

"These members have consistently performed above expectations placing service before self in the defense of our Nation," he said.

Weapons directors are responsible for guiding fighter pilots onto a course from which they can intercept an enemy aircraft.

As a weapons director evaluator and instructor, Becker is responsible for ensuring that the squadron's weapons directors know their jobs.

Prior to taking on his current position he served as the current operations non-commissioned officer in charge for the 224th.

During his time serving in the 224th, he has scheduled and deconflicted over 8,000 hours and 1,500 alert and training missions for 150 operations personnel. He has also worked as a controller during major air combat exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and in Alaska.

Becker has been awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal and the Air and Space Achievement Medal. He holds a bachelor's in applied studies from American Military University.