106th Rescue Wing Member Staff Sgt. Douglas Kechijian is New York Air National Guard NCO of the Year

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY (05/06/2015)(readMedia)-- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Douglas Kechijian, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach, has been named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for the 5,600- member New York Air National Guard.

Kechijian, a resident of New York City, was recognized during an April 25 ceremony in Albany by the Enlisted Association of the New York National Guard. He joined the New York Air National Guard in 2003.

A veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kechijian is a para-rescue Airman in the 103rd Rescue Squadron of the 106th Rescue Wing. These Airmen are trained to extract downed pilots from behind enemy lines either on the ground or in the water.

He has also deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of American forces there.

In his civilian life he is the director of rehabilitation where he specializes in sports medicine, chronic pain management and athletic performance enhancement.

Kechijian was recognized for both his military service and his role as a Citizen-Airman in his community.

While deployed in Africa he provided medical care for American military members and host nation military forces. He was also credited with playing a key role in saving the lives of 12 Soldiers injured in two separate improvised explosive device incidents.

Kechijian flew as element leader on a medical evacuation mission aboard the U.S.S. James E. Wilson to recover two sailors injured at sea. He stabilized the patients during a 200 mile flight.

He also ensured that 12 Army Soldiers were trained in medical evacuation techniques to ensure interoperability with other forces.

He's worked with the 103rd Rescue Squadron to ensure that members are better prepared by teaching emergency blood transfusion and fitness techniques.

At home he serves as a Junior Board member of Tuesday's Children and assisted in raising more than $100,000 to aid the children of Sept. 11, 2001 victims. He is an alumni interviewer for Brown University, his alma mater, and assists special needs athletes with indoor rock climbing at a Long Island facility.

Kechijian holds a bachelors degree from Brown University and a masters and has completed a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Columbia University.

His awards include the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Combat Readiness Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.