Chief Master Sgt. Robert S. Zoldi is the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) of the New York Air National Guard’s 224th Air Defense Group (ADG) and the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) in Rome, New York. EADS is one of two North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) air defense sectors in the continental United States and reports to the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force (CONR-1AF) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. EADS is responsible for the aerospace defense of the eastern United States and supports NORAD’s Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment and U.S. Northern Command’s homeland defense missions. As the SEL, Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi is the principal advisor to the commander on all matters influencing health, morale, welfare, quality of life, recognition, professional development, training, military readiness and effective utilization of the organization’s enlisted personnel.
Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi enlisted in the New York Air National Guard in 1999. Initially assigned to the 174th Fighter Wing Maintenance Squadron Commander Support Staff at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, he subsequently attended the Personnel Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Shortly after graduating he was assigned to the 174th Military Personnel Flight, where he worked within the Customer Service and Career Enhancements sections. While at the 174th, Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi served as part of the Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team, received the American Red Cross Military Hero Award, and was named a Superior Performer by the Air Combat Command Inspector General (ACC IG). In June 2003, Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi joined the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) in Rome, New York, where he served as the Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC) of Personnel Programs and Unit Fitness Program Manager (UFPM), while continually supporting Operation NOBLE EAGLE. At NEADS, he became the unit’s primary fitness advisor and was instrumental in the planning and completion of a $1 million, 80,000 square-foot fitness facility that significantly improved the health and morale of the organization. In 2009, Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi played a critical role in the conversion of NEADS to EADS, helping develop the manpower plan to support the unit’s increased mission responsibility of air defense east of the Mississippi river. During the 2010 ACC IG Inspection, he led his section to the Superior Team Award and received a Superior Performer Award. Subsequently selected to augment the ACC IG, he inspected ANG bases across the country from 2010 to 2013. Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi played a key role in planning and coordinating the 2014 administrative reorganization that created the 224 ADG, the 224th Air Defense Squadron and the 224th Support Squadron. The reorganization also fully integrated two detachments in the Washington, D.C. area into the ADG. During the 2016 ACC IG inspection, Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi led his staff to another ACC Superior Team Award. Additionally, since the outbreak of COVID-19, he was responsible for developing an emergency sequestration plan for 80 personnel, ensuring the safety of unit members while assuring continuous mission execution for defense of our homeland.
Prior to his current position, Chief Master Sgt. Zoldi was the 224 ADG Personnel Superintendent, responsible for the supervision of the Personnel, Medical and Unit Training offices, providing continuous support to over 400 personnel.
EDUCATION
2000 Personnel Apprentice Course, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss..
2001 Personnel Support for Contingency Operations Course, Keesler AFB, Miss.
2003 Airmen Leadership School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2006 Noncommissioned Officer Academy Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2007 Associate of Liberal Arts and Science, Columbia College, Columbia Mo.
2010 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2016 Senior Enlisted Joint PME Course I, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va., by correspondence
2017 Air National Guard Contemporary Base Issues, McGuire AFB, N.J.
2017 Associates in Human Resources, Columbia College, Columbia, Mo.
2019 Senior Enlisted Joint PME II Course, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va., by correspondence
2019 Air Force Continuous Process Improvement Green Belt Training Course, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Schenectady N.Y.
2019 Air Force PACE Course, Enhancing Human Capital, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Schenectady N.Y.
2020 Defense Support of Civil Authorities Phase I Course, USNORTHCOM, Colorado Springs, Colo., by correspondence
2022 CMSgt Orientation Course (CMSOC), Joint Base Andrews, Md.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 1999-April 2000, Personnel Apprentice, 174th Maintenance Squadron, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, N.Y.
2. May 2000-June 2003, Personnel Journeyman, 174th Military Personnel Flight, Hancock Field ANG Base, Syracuse, N.Y.
4. June 2003-September 2013, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Personnel Programs, 224th Air Defense Group, Rome, N.Y.
5. October 2013-October 2021, Personnel Superintendent, 224th Air Defense Group, Rome, N.Y.
6. October 2021-present, Senior Enlisted Leader, 224th Air Defense Group, Rome, N.Y.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
New York Long and Faithful Service Award with three devices
New York Physical Fitness Ribbon with five devices
New York Defense of Liberty Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic May 26, 1999
Airman Jan. 24, 2000
Airman First Class July 24, 2000
Senior Airman Jan. 25, 2001
Staff Sergeant May 25 2003
Technical Sergeant June 1, 2005
Master Sergeant Jan. 1, 2009
Senior Master Sergeant Nov. 1, 2013
Chief Master Sergeant Jan. 1, 2022
(Current as of August 2022)