STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE- Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General, speaks to the incoming and outgoing commanders of the 2nd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) during a change of command ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6.
Army National Guard Lt. Col. Matthew H. Cooper (left) turned over command of the 22-member joint unit to Air National Guard Major Rich Nunziato after holding the job for four years.
The 2nd CST is trained to detect biological, chemical or radiological agents, identify them, and provide the information to civilian or military responders in the event of an attack.
Nunziato is the forth commander for the unit, which served at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks and regularly conducts support missions in New York and other states.
Cooper will become the WMD Branch Chief at Joint Forces Headquarters- New Yoek
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Bellmore Patch -- Wed, 19 Nov 2025 North Bellmore National Guard Airman Receives New Rank NORTH BELLMORE, NY A National Guard Airman received a new rank, as recently shared by Air Force Major General Michael Bank, commander of the New York Air National Guard. Bank announced... (more)
Rome Sentinel -- Tue, 18 Nov 2025 Pair promoted in New York Air National Guard LATHAM Two local airmen have received promotions with the New York Air National Guard, according to an announcement by Air Force Major Gen. Michael Bank, in recognition of their capability... (more)
Rome Sentinel -- Tue, 18 Nov 2025 Several local Army National Guard soldiers earn promotions LATHAM Five area residents are among the members of the New York Army National Guard who have received recent promotions, according to an announcement by Major Gen. Ray Shields, adjutant... (more)