New 106th Rescue Wing Chiefs

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY, UNITED STATES

05.05.2018

Courtesy Story

106th Rescue Wing

GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. (May 5, 2018) – Three members of New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Perno, Senior Master Sgt. Matt Morgan, and Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Spadavecchia, reached the pinnacle of the enlisted rank structure of Chief Master Sergeants, here, on May 5, 2018.

All three members were promoted in a ceremony in front of their respective squadrons, family, friends, and colleagues, and will assume roles as chief enlisted managers for their units.

Before starting his Air Force career, Perno joined the United States Marine Corps in 1998. He was attached to the 2nd Marine Division in Japan. In June, he became a full-time federal technician working in the 106th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Perno has deployed for nine combat missions in support of Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. With over 20 years in the helicopter career field, he was assigned as the HH-60 Flight Chief for the 106th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron responsible for taking care of the members and the mission.

Morgan currently serves as the 106th Security Forces Squadron Manager, in charge of all Security Forces Squadron day-to-day operations on base. Since joining the Air Force in 1986, Morgan has held positions on active duty, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. He joined the 106th Security Forces Squadron in 2008. Before that, he served as the operations manager for the 439th Security Forces Squadron, Westover Joint Air Reserve Base, Mass. Morgan began his active duty career serving overseas in Germany. He also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, he has supported missions for the National Guard Bureau, 20 Congressional representatives and other high profile government officials.

Spadavecchia is the senior enlisted manager for the 103rd Rescue Squadron. He who previously served six years on active duty before coming to the New York Air National Guard in 2005. In that same year, he began working full-time with the pararescuemen of the 103rd Rescue Squadron. Spadavecchia has participated in Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. During these operations, Spadavecchia planned and executed combat and humanitarian operations in support of national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Additionally, he has participated in NASA Space Shuttle launches, civil search and rescue long-range open ocean rescue missions, Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, and Irma.

Speaking on the occasion, the 106th Rescue Wing Commander Col. Michael Bank had some kind words to say about the newly promoted chiefs.

“Each of these fine senior NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) are leaders and mentors. They lead the backbone of this wing and they ensure our mission succeeds. They mentor their Airmen – without them we have nothing. Our future rests with their guidance and steadfast devotion to duty,” said Bank. “Above all, each of these gentlemen epitomizes the finest qualities of a military leader. That’s why they are here. I trust them with the most important resource that we have – our Airmen.”

• Date Taken: 05.05.2018
• Date Posted: 08.15.2018 14:58
• Story ID: 288900
• Location: WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY, US