Two 109th Airlift Wing Members Selected as New York Airmen of the Year

Related Media

Senior Airman James Comstock

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SCOTIA, NY (01/14/2015)(readMedia)-- Two 109th Airlift Wing Airmen were among six New York Air National Guard members recognized as Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2015.

Senior Airman James Comstock was selected as New York Air National Guard "Airman of the Year", and Master Sgt. Michael Lazzari, was picked as New York Air National Guard "First Sergeant of the Year".

They were selected for the state-level award based on superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

"Congratulations to our two state-level winners," said Col. Shawn Clouthier, the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing.

"They were among 14 extremely strong candidates from our wing. All of whom embody superior performance and the strong leadership qualities to excel in the future," he said.

" Congratulations,also, to all of the selections from across the state and good luck as they compete at the national level," Cloutheir added.

Lazzari, a Schenectady native who has nearly 19 years of total military service including a five-year active duty tour, joined the 109th Airlift Wing's Fire Department in 2007. In 2012, he became the first sergeant for the 109th Mission Support Group. In the last year, Lazzari has supported both Operation Raven Dew in Greenland and Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica as the unit's deployed first sergeant.

Lazzari said the continued teamwork at the 109th Airlift Wing has been one of the contributing factors to his success as first sergeant. He also said the sacrifices and support his family has made during his time way have been true motivators for him.

"Without them I wouldn't be able to do this at all," he said. "I can't thank them enough for all the support they offer. I love being at home with my wife, daughter and family and don't take my time away from them for granted. If I am not giving my best, their sacrifices and support are for nothing. I solely accept this award as a reflection of all the help and support I receive from my wife, family and friends."

Lazzari and his wife Stephanie have one daughter.

Lazzari's awards include the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal With 'M' Device, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon , Iraq Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force, Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon, Overseas Service Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon,Air Reserve Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, New York Physical Fitness Ribbon, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Comstock, a Guilderland native, joined the wing in 2008. He is currently a customer support representative with the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Comstock received the John L. Levitow award while attending Airman Leadership School this past year and is also the current president of the 109th First Six Council. The council represents the junior enlisted of the wing. With the council, he has participated in many community events throughout the year, and also coordinated the wing's first Adopt-A-Highway project.

"I attribute this award to the great opportunities the unit offers," Comstock said. "An award like this couldn't be accomplished without a unit that supports their people to strive past their potential." Along with the unit, Comstock said his he couldn't have accomplished what he's achieved without the support of his wife and children.

Comstock and his wife Amanda have two daughters.

"I was very excited to hear the news at each step of the process - going from squadron, to wing to state," he said. "We have a lot of excellent Airmen in the NYANG, and to be thought of as one of them is a great thing."

Comstock's Awards include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal , Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Antarctica Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon .

"These two individuals embody the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do," said Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, 109th AW command chief.

"They are team players and always motivated to do what they can to lead and make a difference at this Wing and within their community. Their can-do attitudes are infectious! I am so proud of them, and I am glad that the state recognized who they are and what they represent."

Comstock and Lazzari will go on to compete for the 2015 Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

The other four winners were:

• Master Sgt. Amy Taylor from the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome who was picked as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year;

• Staff Sgt. Richard Burns, also assigned to the Eastern Air Defense Sector, who was picked as Air Force Honor Guard Member of the Year;

• Staff Sgt Douglas Kechijian, from the 106th Rescue Wing at Westhampton Beach, who was named Junior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year;

• And Master Sgt. Eric Lent from the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field, Syracuse, who was named Honor Guard Manager of the Year.

There are just under 6,000 members of the New York Air National Guard who serve in five flying wings -- the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh, the 106th Rescue Wing at Westhampton Beach, the 107th Airlift Wing at Niagara Falls, the 109th Airlift Wing, the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse and the Easter Air Defense Sector in Rome. The New York Air National Guard is the largest Air National Guard in the United States.