ALBANY--New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Hardy Pierce displays his certificate after being recognized for his military accomplishments during a Black History Month event held at the Empire State Plaza on Thursday. Feb. 23. With Pierce are Joseph Rabito (right)the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services and Alphonso B. David (left)
Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights.
The Thursday event, organized by the Office of General Services and the New York State Museum also recognized Col. Stephanie Dawson, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, Retired Brigadier General Rosetta Burke, the New York National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program, and the family of Sgt. Deon Taylor, a New York Army National Guard Soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2008.
Pierce retires from his position as the top enlisted Airman in the New York Air National Guard in March and will be replaced by Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard King.

• (Read the Press Release of this event)