Warwick resident Peter Riley promoted to Colonel in the New York Army National Guard

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Col. Peter Riley's wife Maryann pins on his new rank during promotion ceremonies on Thursday. Dec. 22. ( Sgt. Katie Gray)

LATHAM, NY (12/22/2016)(readMedia)-- Warwick resident Peter Riley has been promoted to Colonel in the New York Army National Guard.

Riley, a veteran of the Iraq War, was promoted during a Dec. 22 ceremony at Fort Hamilton, the U.S. Army's post in Brooklyn.

Riley is assigned to New York Army National Guard headquarters in Latham, N.Y. He is currently on leave from his job with ADP Retirement Services in Florham Park, N.J. to serve as the commander of the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the National Guard security force in New York City.

Riley commands 700 armed New York Army and Air National Guard members who assist law enforcement in New York City's railroad stations and airports.

Riley received his commission through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. in 1989 and has served since then in the New York Army National Guard.

Riley has served in a number of leadership and staff positions in the New York Army National Guard to include Headquarters Detachment Commander at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill, executive officer of the 53rd Digital Liaison Detachment based at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, and as a platoon leader in the 1st Battalion 210th Armor and 1st Battalion 101st Cavalry.

Riley deployed to Tikrit, Iraq in 2005 as the deputy personnel officer for the 42nd Infantry Division.

He also served in the New York National Guard's response to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Riley holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from St. Lawrence University and a Masters of Business Administration from Fordham University.

His military education includes the Armor Officers Basic Course, the Adjutant General's Advanced Course, the Army Command and General Staff College's Intermediate Level Education and Advanced Joint Professional Military Education from the Joint Forces Staff College.

Riley's awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

He and his wife Maryann have a son, Conor, age 20, and a daughter, Quinn who is 17.