Lieutenant Colonel Paul Engel, Jr

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Engel, Jr. enlisted in the New York Air National Guard
in 1996 as a Turbo-Prop Mechanic. After serving two years, he then enlisted in
the New York Army National Guard as an 11H TOW Missile Gunner. He is a
graduate of the Officer Candidate School and is a qualified Army Aviator in the
OH-58A/C Kiowa, UH-1H Huey, and UH-60A/L/M Blackhawk helicopters.

Upon graduating from U.S. Army Flight School in 2003, he was assigned to Alpha
Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion as a Platoon Leader
and UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot. In 2004, the 42nd Infantry Division was mobilized to
Iraq and assumed command before the unit left stateside.

LTC Engel took an administrative reduction and was appointed as a Chief
Warrant Officer serving in aviation units throughout New York State. In 2012,
he was re-appointed to Captain and assigned as the Aviation Material Officer.
His successive assignments included Logistics Officer (S-4) of the 3-142nd AHB,
and upon promotion to Major, he became the S-4 of the 42nd Combat Aviation
Brigade. He also commanded Bravo Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion,
and he served as Operations Officer of the 3-142 AHB and Executive Officer
(XO) of 3-142 AHB. He is currently assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 42nd
Infantry Division in Troy, New York.

He was in combat operations, and his tours of duty included Task Force Liberty,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve until May 2023.

A true patriot, he has earned numerous awards and decorations, including the
Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak
leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Reserve
Components Achievement Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, National Defense
Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, and many more.

As a civilian, LTC Paul Engel, Jr. is employed by the New York State Police as a
non-sworn helicopter pilot. He lives in Albany with his wife, Sharon, and they are
the proud parents of three children, Jack, Sadie, and Veda.