A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Massena recently received recognition on the House of Representatives floor.

Colonel Joseph Edward Lamendola has been a serviceman for more than 30 years, and now lives in Camillus, near Syracuse

Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, represents the 24th Congressional District and spoke on his behalf:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Colonel Joseph Edward Lamendola. Originally from Massena, New York and currently a resident of Camillus, New York. Colonel Lamendola received his direct commission on 19 February 1984 and subsequently has 30 years of military service with United States Air Force and the New York Air National Guard. Colonel Lamendola has been decorated with numerous

medals, awards, and service distinctions. It is my honor to recognize

such a distinguished citizen and airman.

Colonel Lamendola began his military career in the Air Force on 19 February 1984 under the Air Force's direct commissioning program and served four years on Federal Active Duty as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate and Area Defense Counsel at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. In October 1988, Colonel Lamendola transferred to the New York Air National Guard and was assigned to the 174th Fighter Wing, Hancock Field, Syracuse, New York. During his tenure as Staff Judge Advocate with the 174th Fighter Wing, Colonel Lamendola served as the 9th Air Force Air National Guard Judge Advocate Liaison. From October 1995 through December 2000, Colonel Lamendola provided guidance and support to 9th Air Force Air National Guard gained units, including conducting Staff Assistance Visits to all 18 units.

In March 1995, he deployed with the 174th Fighter Wing in support of a Joint NATO Exercise conducted at Andoya Air Base, Norway. In 1991, Colonel Lamendola was called to Federal Active Duty in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He served for 180 days at home station performing duties in a dual role as Staff Judge Advocate and Public Affairs Officer.

Colonel Lamendola has served as Legal Advisor, Recorder, and Respondent's Counsel on numerous occasions by Air National Guard units from the states of Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, New York and Vermont. Colonel Lamendola has assisted in the research and revision of the 1996 Commander's Legal Desk Book, and participated as a member of a Process Action Team, which drafted the Air National Guard Instruction dealing with Legal Assistance. He has also served as an instructor for the November 2003 Contemporary Base Issues course hosted by the New York Air National Guard.

Colonel Lamendola currently serves as the senior uniformed Air National Guard Judge Advocate in the New York Air National Guard and is responsible for providing legal advice, opinions, and assistance on a variety of subjects to the Commander of the New York Air National Guard, the Air Staff, other Judge Advocates assigned to New York Air National Guard's five flying wings the Eastern Air Defense Sector, and commanders throughout the New York Air National Guard.

During these times and throughout his career, Colonel Lamendola has displayed honorable character and service to the United States Air Force, the New York Air National Guard, and our country. His military decorations and unit awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters. His military campaign and service awards include the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass device and mobilization ‘M’ device; and Air Force Training Ribbon.

Colonel Lamendola also holds the following New York State awards and decorations: the New York State Long and Faithful Service Award with one gold shield device; the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal; the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross; and the New York State Exercise Support Ribbon.

Colonel Lamendola's effective dates of promotion are: First Lieutenant--23 September 1982; Captain--28 September 1984; Major--2 December 1989; Lieutenant Colonel--27 January 1994; and his current rank of Colonel--1 June 2009.

In his civilian capacity, Colonel Lamendola maintains a law practice in Syracuse, New York and serves a client base in Northern and Central New York. His practice concentrates in the areas of business litigation, personal injury, education and school law, family law, military law and estate planning. Colonel Lamendola serves as a committee member on the Fourth Department Attorney Grievance Committee, and he is also a delegate for the Fifth Judicial District nominating committee.

Colonel Lamendola holds degrees from Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1983 (LL.M, Admiralty Law) University of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 1982 (LL.B, Cum Laude) State University of New York, Plattsburg, NY, 1977 (B.A., Political Science) Air War College, May 2005.

Colonel Lamendola also holds Bar Admissions in the U.S. Supreme Court, 1987; the U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit, 1996; the U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1983; the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana, 1983; the U.S. District Court Northern District of New York, 1991; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 1984; the State of New York, 1990; and the State of Louisiana, 1983.

Without question Mr. Speaker, Colonel Lamendola is a very special person. He willingly served his nation, exuding loyalty and pride. For his unrelenting service, Colonel Lamendola can retire knowing he has earned such a status. I would like to wish him well in his retirement years, as he will now be able to spend more free time with his wife Heather and his daughter Amelia Jude. Colonel Lamendola, thank you for all of your years of hard work, dedication, and service to our country.”