Kristopher Geis, a Newburgh resident currently serving as director of staff for the New York Air National Guard was promoted to the rank of Colonel during a ceremony at New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham on January 9.
Geis, who enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1987, was commissioned as an officer in 2002 through the Academy of Military Science at McGee Air National Guard Base.
“To be selected for this position and promotion, considering how impressive my peers are, is incredibly humbling,” Geis said. “I promise I will never take it for granted.”
Geis has held a variety of key leadership positions in the New York Air National Guard. He served as the 105th Wing Mission Support Flight Commander, the commander of the 105th Airlift Wing Maintenance Squadron, and as Chief of Staff for the 105th Airlift Wing. The Mission Support Flight was recognized twice for excellence while he was the commander.
He has deployed several times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his current job he coordinates with New York Air National Guard leaders on joint programs and activities and strategic planning at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.
Geis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the State University of New York at New Paltz and holds a Master’s Degree in Military Operation Art and Science through the Air University.
He is a graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College.
His awards include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Ribbon.
Geis is an avid hiker climber and his goal is to climb the highest point in each state. He currently has summited 47 of them.
He and his wife Gina, have two children: a daughter, Riley and son AJ.