LATHAM — Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, adjutant general for New York, has announces the promotion of several local members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. They include:

Anibal Verdejo, of New Hartford, 174th Attack Wing, promoted to master sergeant;

John McCormick, of Whitesboro, 174th Attack Wing, promoted senior master sergeant;

Natasha Vandeusen, of Rome, 174th Attack Wing, chief master sergeant;

Heather Johnson, of Rome, 174th Attack Wing, master sergeant;

Joshua VanWinkle, of Camden, 174th Attack Wing, promoted to master sergeant; and

Nicholas Tharrett, of Rome, 174th Attack Wing, promoted to master sergeant.

For information about the New York Army National Guard, go online to www.dmna.ny.gov.

Air National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential, Shields said, adding the promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Airmen and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen airmen for careers in the New York Air National Guard and the 106th Rescue Wing.

The New York National Guard is the state’s executive agency responsible to the governor for managing New York’s military forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members.