Photo By Tech. Sgt. Daniel Farrell | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian J. McNamara, a 106th Rescue Wing Chaplain, poses for a...... read more read more
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FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Chaplain Lt. Col. Brian J. McNamara, a Smithtown, New York resident, marked the end of a 44-year career with a retirement ceremony on Feb. 7, 2026, at the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.
U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew J. Wineberger, vice commander of the 106th Rescue Wing, who presided over the retirement ceremony, praised McNamara's dedication.
“His service was always in the area and at times our members needed him the most,” Wineberger said. "Chaplain McNamara has been there the whole time, comforting our members and their families under the most trying conditions, unconcerned for himself.”
"He answers to a higher calling," he continued.
McNamara, a Roman Catholic priest, began his military career on Feb. 23, 1981, when he was sworn in as a second lieutenant in the Chaplain Candidate program while studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. The program allowed him to serve 100 active-duty days over two years to determine if the Air Force was a good fit.
Upon ordination in 1984, he served as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee attached to what is now Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, for 26 years. During this time, he volunteered for temporary assignments at 18 different bases, including Torrejon Air Base in Spain, Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany, and Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, providing spiritual support where Catholic chaplains were in short supply. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, he served for over four months at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
In May 2007, McNamara transferred to the 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard, where he served as the wing chaplain until his retirement.
Throughout his career, McNamara deployed in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Spartan Shield, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also supported domestic operations, including response to Hurricane Sandy, Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the COVID-19 mission, the Capital Response following Jan. 6, 2021, and Operation Sentinel during a New York corrections officers' strike.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Air and Space Recognition Ribbon, New York Humane Service to New York State Medal, and Washington National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon. In 2006, he received the Thoralf T. Thielen Award as the Outstanding Reserve Chaplain of the Year.
Reflecting on his service, McNamara emphasized the importance of the Air Force Core Values - Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do - which he incorporated into every invocation and benediction.
"It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness," McNamara said. "It’s easy for us sometimes to say, ‘What can I do? I’m just one person.’”
“Be a light,” McNamara urged. “Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All You Do – I think it’s a big challenge for us, and I hope that each one of us continues to live out that challenge.”
A native of Hicksville, New York, where he was born and raised as one of five boys, McNamara attended St. Pius X Preparatory High School and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception, Queens, New York, a ministry degree in theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, and a master's degree in family counseling from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York. He completed Squadron Officer School and Air Command and Staff College by correspondence.
In retirement, McNamara will continue his ministry at St. Patrick Church in Smithtown, and plans to continue volunteering with the 106th Rescue Wing in a civilian capacity.
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, and the HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2026 15:38 |
| Story ID: | 558018 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | BAY SHORE, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | BAY SHORE, MICHIGAN, US |
| Hometown: | GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | ST. JAMES, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | WEST ISLIP, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 117 |
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