Southington's Top Appointed Official Serves His Country Too

SOUTHINGTON, CT — As if running a town the size of Southington wasn't enough for Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone, he now has another, equally important, job.

Last week, Ricciardone, a Southington resident, was appointed by the State of Rhode Island to be the top Air Force attorney for that state.

The Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143d Airlift Wing announced the appointment Oct. 2 of "Major Alex Ricciardone" as the wing’s new Staff Judge Advocate (SJA).

Ricciardone serves as chief legal advisor to 143rd leadership and oversees all legal support services for the more than 1,000 full-time and drill-status members of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, according to a release from the 143rd.

Before serving as the wing’s deputy SJA from 2023 to 2024, Ricciardone spent eight years as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Westover Air Force Reserve Base in Chicopee, Mass.

"In addition to his military legal work, Major Ricciardone brings a wealth of public and private sector legal experience to his new role, including his current position as town manager of his hometown of Southington, Connecticut," wrote the 143rd.

Following the announcement of the appointment, Ricciardone’s predecessor as the 143d’s SJA, Wing Chief of Staff Lt Col. Terence Coyne, praised Ricciardone's work.

“Anyone who has worked with Alex will tell you about his professionalism, legal expertise, and overall good humor,” said Coyne. “But in our years working together, what has impressed me most has been his genuine commitment to serving the airmen, families, and leadership of the 143rd — with competence, with patience, and always with a smile. I am thrilled for him and for the Wing as he takes on this new responsibility.”

Ricciardone explained that military attorneys in his role must be proficient in myriad manners of legal expertise.

“A lot of members may not be aware of all of the services our legal office can provide for them, free of charge,” said Ricciardone when asked what he most wanted members to know about Legal’s work on base.

“Most folks know we are here if you find yourself on the wrong end of UCMJ. But we want to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the resources available to you before you ever get to that point. Stop by, get a free will, ask your questions, and if there’s ever something we can’t help with, we will help you find someone who can.”

In a post to the Southington community, recently, Ricciardone thanked his hometown for allowing him to serve both Southington and his country.

"I am beyond thankful to the residents of Southington and Southington Town Council, who provide me the support and flexibility to serve as your chief executive while also serving the great state of Rhode Island and our country," Ricciardone said.

"Most of all, I’m endlessly grateful to my wife, Nicole, and our family. The countless days and nights away, trips overseas, missed birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones have at times been tough for our family, but we are in this mission together so our kids and your next generation can enjoy this incredible country that we have been blessed with."