STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newburgh--Retiring New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Hardy Pierce (right) displays the retirement gift just presented to him by New York Air National Guard Commander Major General James W. Kwiatkowski, during a retirement ceremony on Sunday, March 6. He was presented with a National Guard Historic Painting "Runway Alert" commemorating the 138th Fighter Squadron of the New York Air National Guard shortly after World War II.
Pierce joined the Air Force in 1970 and served as top enlisted Airman in the 6,000 member New York Air National Guard. His replacement is Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard King.