Hammond, a Captain in the Guard, was called to active service last July and deployed to Grafenwöhr, Germany as part of “Task Force Orion,” a forward contingent of the Syracuse-based 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Task Force Orion took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) in early August 2022 (more on this found herehttps://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/3120028/new-york-national-guard-unit-assumes-command-of-joint-multinational-training-gr/).

While deployed, Hammond served as the Protocol Officer for the JMTG-U and Task Force Orion. He planned and coordinated visits for more than 100 distinguished visitors to U.S-led Ukrainian training. Most notably, Hammond assisted with visits from Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (CT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI).

Hammond also coordinated a visit for Maj. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson, Commanding General of the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, who toured the JMTG-U last month to better grasp its mission.

Task Force Orion was responsible for facilitating the training of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers. (See more here https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/3378397/new-york-guard-completes-ukrainian-troop-training-mission/)

“Being part of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am proud to have worked with such a fine command team, my fellow Soldiers, and our Ukrainian partners to help increase the lethality and survivability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during this unprecedented Russian aggression,” Hammond said.

“As rewarding as the past nine months have been, I am very excited and happy to be returning home, and I am ready to get back to work for the citizens of Waddington.”

“I would like to extend my warmest gratitude and thanks to Deputy Supervisor Travis McKnight, Town Clerk Carol Burns, Highway Superintendent Dave Putney, and Town Board Members David McBath, Kelley Tiernan and Tom Hunter for their amazing leadership in my absence. It shows how much local government is truly a team effort, with one goal in mind, serving the people.”