Schenectady Military Affairs Council (SMAC)

The Schenectady Military Affairs Council (SMAC) values the importance of Stratton Air National Guard Base to the overall well-being of the Capital Region’s economy and quality of life. Stratton is home to the 109th Airlift Wing, which flies the LC-130 Hercules – the Department of Defense’s only ski-equipped aircraft covering the globe from pole to pole and supporting National Science Foundation research.

During the past few months, the 109th Airlift Wing has garnered much media attention for its unique missions, from spots on The Weather Channel's StormCenter to PBS' Online News Hour with Jim Lehrer. Click the links below to view!

PBS: Online News Hour with Jim Lehrer

The Weather Channel: StormCenter

Capital News 9:
Destination Greenland Part 1
Destination Greenland Part 2
Destination Greenland Part 3
Destination Greenland Part 4

SMAC’s mission is to highlight the importance of the military presence in the Capital Region and Tech Valley. Its number-one goal is to ensure the long-term viability and success of the 109th Airlift Wing and other military units in the Capital Region. We strive to facilitate a symbiotic partnership between the community and military. SMAC does this in two ways:

1. By increasing public knowledge of the contributions made by the 109th Airlift Wing and other military units in the Capital Region, all of which impact our global, national, state and regional economy. SMAC highlights positive partnerships that the military has already formed with State and Federal agencies so all parties understand the vital role our Capital Region military units play in securing our nation.

2. By bringing attention to the wide community support and pride for our local military units. Members of the 109th Airlift Wing make significant local volunteer contributions, such as:

• Mentorship program at Yates Elementary School
• Educational partnership with Proctors Theatre
• Schenectady Holiday Parade Marshals
• Schenectady Inner City Ministries Summer Lunch Program
• Salvation Army Holiday Food Basket Delivery

...and many more!

SMAC Leadership

Roger Hannay, Chair                                                                   
President, Hannay Reels

Col. Timothy LaBarge
Wing Commander, 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard

Charles Steiner
President, The Chamber of Schenectady County

Lt. Col. George Alston
Chief of Aircrew Training & Scheduling, 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard

David Apkarian
President & CEO, Transtech Systems

Alan Boulant
Solid Surface Craftsman

Tony Esposito
Chairman, Capital Region Employers Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR)

Ray Gillen
Chairman, Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority

Robin Granger
Vice President, Communications & Member Relations, The Chamber of Schenectady County

Christopher Koetzle
Supervisor, Town of Glenville

Norman Miller
President, Leadership Management of NY

Debra Perez
Manager, Private Client Services, Fenimore Asset Management

Sid Ramotar
Branch Manager, KeyBank

Phillip Tiberio
Owner, EOS Technologies

For more information about SMAC, please contact Robin Granger at 518.372.5656.