STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE- The seven members of the crew of Reach 824, a C-17 Globemaster III flown by the New York Air National Guards 105th Rescue Wing into Kabul during August 2021, pose for a group photo. They are, from left, Capt Matthew McChesney (Aircrew Commander), Tech Sgt. Byron Catu (flying crew chief), Staff Sgt. Evan Imbriglio (loadmaster), Tech Sgt. Joseph Caponi (loadmaster instructor), Staff Sgt. Corey Berke (loadmaster), Capt Jonathan Guagenti (pilot), Lt. Col. Andrew Townsend (pilot). McChesney will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, while Townsend, Guagenti, Berke, Imbriglio, and Caponi will receive the Air Medal with Valor. Catu has ALREADY been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
DMNA Press Releases
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Stars and Stripes -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 Congress funds powerful new airlifter on skis for US polar operations The Pentagon has secured $194 million to build the first of a fleet of new ski planes that will support troops flying over the Arctic and Antarctic. Funding approved by Congress last month... (more)
Spectrum News1 -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 6 New York Army National Guard soldiers awarded French medals for acts of bravery (video) ROCHESTER, N.Y. A group of National Guardsmen, largely hailing from Western New York, are being honored for their "exceptionally honorable service" in the Middle East. It was... (more)
Lockport Sun and Journal -- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 Lockport man among Army National Guardsmen awarded a French military honor ROCHESTER A Lockport resident is one of six New York Army National Guardsmen who received the French equivalent of the Bronze Star on Sunday, for efforts to help rescue 34 French special... (more)