At the end of the ceremony, Major Craig Williams joked that it made him feel old. He had served 36 years in the New York Army National Guard, including a tour of duty in Iraq. Now he was being honored on his retirement.
Dressed in civilian clothes and accompanied by his wife Deanna, the major received a flag and the Meritorious Service Medal during a ceremony at Camp Smith in Peekskill. Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey presented the awards and then spoke to the troops who were standing in formation.
“Major Williams,” Swezey said, “has served more years than most of you have been alive.”
But the major’s medal was justified by more than his length of service. The recommendation for the award said that he held a variety of positions and was dedicated to the success of his commands. It also mentioned his combat tour overseas, and his tireless mentorship of junior officers and NCOs.
Major Williams, a resident of Cornwall-on-Hudson, received the Bronze Star while serving in Iraq in 2004-05. In addition to his recent awards, he will be getting a letter of congratulations from President Obama.
In civilian life, Mr. Williams was a sergeant in the New York State Department of Corrections. Although he retired this spring, he will continue to be active. He is due to teach a course in Corrections at Rockland Community College in the fall.
