Airman 1st Class Madison Daquelente

Madison Daquelente, Airman 1st Class (A1C), of Plattsburgh, selflessly serves our state and nation as a member of the New York Air National Guard/109th Airlift Wing. A1C Daquelente is a graduate of Beekmantown Central School and a high academic achieving student who continues to better herself by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh.

A1C Daquelente has distinguished herself in numerous ways while assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing’s Emergency Management Office. Most notable has been her work to lead 18 readinesstraining sessions, ensuring 270 service members are well trained to survive and operate in a chemical environment. She was instrumental in the success of the Joint Task Force-3 Debris Clearing exercise, moving 16,000 pounds of debris and clearing 800 feet of roadway in just four hours. Furthermore, A1C Daquelente configured two HUMVEEs in response to a damaging local storm, providing relief to residents in Washington County.

A1C Daquelente’s commitment to serving others is reflected in her involvement with leading a college tutoring program that works to enhance the careers of 32 fellow students. In addition, she volunteers at the Capital Region Expressive Arts (CREATE) program, inspiring inner-city youth through local art exhibits, dedicates her time to help special needs children, and has spearheaded a Toys for Tots program which delivered more than 5,000 gifts to children in need in less than seven hours.

A1C Daquelente has been recognized numerous times as a superior performer in her unit. She twice received the Civil Engineer Squadron Airman of the Quarter Award, Mission Support Group Airman of the Year Award, Command Chief’s Team Award, Air Mobility Command Superior Performer Award and the Colonel Frederick J. Reimer Award for the best Emergency Management Flight in the Air National Guard.

A1C Daquelente’s goal is to graduate college in May 2019 with a degree in Art Therapy. She intends to use her degree to assist veterans suffering due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).