Latham, N.Y. — New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Christopher Ciccone, a resident of Rensselaer, N.Y., and veteran of the war in Iraq, retired after 33 years of service in the New York Army National Guard during an award ceremony held at New York Army National Guard headquarters in Latham on September 8th.
Ciccone was presented with the Legion of Merit and a Conspicuous Service Medal by Brigadier General Michel Natali, the Assistant Adjutant General of New York, during the ceremony.
Ciccone's career with the National Guard began in 1986 when he enlisted as a Combat Signal Soldier. In 1990, he attended New York's Officer Candidate School at the Empire State Military Academy and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, launching his career as a military intelligence officer.
Since then he has held many staff and leadership positions in the New York National Guard, including Commander of 2nd Battalion, 106th Regiment of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Smith, Senior Intelligence Officer of the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters, Analysis Control Element Chief for the 642nd Military Intelligence Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, Company Commander for the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters Company, and Executive Officer for Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 69th Air Defense Artillery.
His most recent assignment was serving as the Deputy Director of J2 at the Joint Force Headquarters.
Ciccone is a 2015 graduate of the U.S. Army War College, earning a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies. His other military education includes: the Army Basic Instructor Course, Multifunctional Logistics Officer Course, Supply and Service Officer Management Course, Command and General Staff College, Combined Arms and Service Staff School, and the Military Intelligence Officers basic and advanced courses.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), the Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (4th award), the National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, New York State Military Commendation Medal, Defense of Liberty Medal with World Trade Center device, New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, and New York State Aid to Civil Authorities Medal (2nd award).
He holds a Master's degree in Curriculum Development and a Bachelor's degree of Science degree in Geology, both from the State University at Albany. In his civilian career, Ciccone is an Earth Science teacher at Columbia High School in East Greenbush. He resides in Rensselaer with his wife Gina and daughter Carina.