CNY Man Recognized with National Military Honor

A Whitesboro man was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, otherwise known as NORAD.

Captain Jason Cole of Whitesboro is being recognized as the Continental United States NORAD Region Command & Control Officer of the Year by the United States Air Force. Captain Cole has been in the Air Force since 2004, as part of the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, and a member of the Air National Guard on active duty.

Thousands of officers from across the United States were nominated for this recognition, but Captain Cole's contributions distinguished him from the other nominees. Here's some of the things he did last year to win this award:

• Defended the President's airspace 27 times with fighter jets
• Logged over 1400 hours as the Senior Director at EADS
• Scrambled fighter 134 times to intercept aircraft
• Developed Communication and Search and Rescue plans for Hurricane Irma

Captain Cole lives in Whitesboro, with his wife Heather and their children, Alex, Carter, and Tenley. She shared his accomplishment on Facebook saying, "I am SOOOO proud of the amazing Husband, Father and Officer that you are!!!!"

Thank you for your service Captain Cole, and congratulations on this prestigious honor. 

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