National Guard Bureau recognizes controllers’ excellence

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brooke Davis
  • Eastern Air Defense Sector
Rome, N.Y. --  The National Guard Bureau has recognized two members of the Eastern Air Defense Sector as some of the best controllers in the Guard.

Captain Joseph Potestivo recieved the National Guard Bureau's Command and Control Division's Air Battle Manager of the Year Award. Staff Sgt. Jose Ortiz was selected as National Guard Bureau's Command and Control Division's NCO Outstanding Aircraft and Warning Systems Operator of the Year.

Captain Potestivo, a native of Staten Island, N.Y., joined the military in 1998 as an Air Force's ROTC cadet at the State University of New York at Potsdam. He became a member of the unit in 2008.

When asked about supporting the homeland defense mission here, Captain Potestivo said, "I feel most rewarded at the end of a duty day knowing that I am an active participant in homeland defense, helping to keep America safe and that is what I value most - defending our homeland."

Sergeant Ortiz, a native of Fitchburg, Mass., has been in the military for over six years and at EADS for nearly three years.

To him, the Homeland Defense mission at EADS is what drives him.

"I'm motivated by knowing that I have a direct impact on the safety and security of my family and friends," he explained. "Above all, the true driver that allows me to contibute is the selfless support and dedication from my wife and family."

When it comes to the command and control mission here, both award winners excell at the daily challenges encountered including National Special Security Events, Shuttle launches, aerial refuelings, and active-air scrambles supporting Operation Noble Eagle operations.

"Because the National Capital Region is in our Area of Operations, this significantly intensifies our mission," said Col. John Bartholf, EADS Commander. "Both award winners have demonstrated a knowledge depth that helps facilitate information flow during many of our fast-paced operations here. It truly is the operational expertise of members like Captain Potestivo and Sergeant Ortiz that make the critical difference in our ability to handle highly visible operations."

In addition to excelling at their positions, both award winners volunteer their time in the local community.

Captain Potestivo volunteers helping to maintain 2,000 miles of recreational hiking trails in the Adirondack State Park.

Fluent in Spanish, Sergeant Ortiz serves as the N.Y. Air National Guard's Hispanic Employment Program Manager.