Airport military courtesy room needs volunteers

More volunteers are needed to assist military recruits and military personnel traveling through Albany International Airport in Colonie.

Volunteers will be trained to assist the military personnel in the Marine Capt. John McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room near the third floor Observation Deck.

The 430-square-foot room provides a comfortable place for military personnel, wounded warriors, military retirees and their families to relax, watch TV, play video and other games, enjoy refreshments, make phone calls or send emails while they wait for their flights. The room is equipped with desks, tables, seating, a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.

The room is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Janet Moran, who coordinates and schedules volunteers, also arranges free lodging for servicemen and women stranded by flight cancellations. They can stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy through the Pfc. David Taylor Miller Stranded Soldier Fund provided by BBL.

At present, more than 84 volunteers are on duty but some time slots need to be filled, especially weekend shifts, Moran said. “Volunteers are also needed to sub when others are out for a variety of reasons, including when they are ill or away on vacation.”

The room commemorates Capt. John McKenna of Clifton Park who was killed in Iraq while serving with the Marine Reserve’s Company F, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, out of Albany.

Since the McKenna room opened in 2010, nearly 40,000 military personnel have used it, according to its director, John J. McKenna III of Clifton Park, the father of Capt. McKenna.

To volunteer, call the MCR at 518-242-4415, or visit http://jmckennamilitarycourtesyroom.org.

Faithful service

Senior Master Sgt. Kimberly Carmody of Lake George has retired from the New York Air National Guard after 24 years of service.

Carmody was honored during a retirement testimony at the New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham.

Brig. Gen. Timothy LaBarge, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, presented to her a retirement certificate.

Carmody, who has served as an assistant inspector general for the New York National Guard since 2016, enlisted in the Air Force in 1995.

She served in the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, from 1995 to 2010, when she transferred to New York Air National Guard headquarters in Latham. While assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, Carmody specialized in information management.

In 2012 Carmody deployed to Greenland with the 109th Airlift Wing. In 2014 she deployed to Antarctica and served as administrative assistant to the Pacific Air Force commander. She has earned an Air Force Commendation Medal, and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

New master sergeant

Justin Westfall of Valatie, an Iraq war veteran, has been promoted to master sergeant in the New York Army National Guard while serving as the senior contracting noncommissioned officer for Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham.

Westfall was promoted by Col. Steven Rowe, director of the United States Property and Fiscal Office.

In 2000, he enlisted in the New York Army National Guard. His initial duty assignment was with Company D, 1st Battalion, 105th Infantry. In 2003, he was assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry when he deployed to Iraq as a 50 caliber machine gunner.

In 2006, he transferred to Joint Force Headquarters. He also is a certified general funds enterprise business system trainer.

He helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene in 2011, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, June floods in 2013 and with hazardous winter weather in Buffalo in 2014.

He has earned an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, an Army Reserve Components Achievement, a Combat Infantry Badge, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Walk to aid veterans

A Walkathon will be sponsored by Albany County American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion at noon Saturday, April 13 at Cook Park, Colonie Village.

This event is one of many being held across the state for the benefit of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, assisted living homes in New York, the Albany Fisher House, and the nonprofit “Final Salute” that supports women veterans and their children.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. There is no charge to walk but donations will be accepted.

Clarification

In last week’s Duty Calls, retired Army Col. George McHugh was listed as being an attorney for Carver Companies and the Port of Coeymans. He is no longer with those businesses. He has his own private law practice in Ravena.

• News of your troops and units can be sent to Duty Calls, Terry Brown, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212 or brownt@ timesunion.com.