New Mexico National Guard

06/10/2026

Congratulations, Master Sgt. Nathanial Bennett!

06/08/2026

Outstanding!

06/07/2026

111th Sustainment Brigade reinforces Soldier skills during FTX

Story by Pfc. Christina Gonzales, 200th Public Affairs Detachment

LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Soldiers assigned to the 111th Sustainment Brigade participated in a field training exercise designed to strengthen fundamental Soldier skills through hands-on training and practical application at Camp Luna here June 5-7.

The round-robin style training featured multiple lanes, which focused on common tasks including vehicle recovery operations, land navigation, casualty care under fire, sector sketch and a written test.

“We want to give soldiers hands-on exposure to tasks they don’t often have the opportunity to perform,” said Capt. Ayorinde Akinnikawe, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander for the 111th Sustainment Brigade. “We also want Soldiers to perform these tasks in a relaxed environment to encourage learning through fun."

For Spc. Sage Gonzales, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the brigade, the training provided an opportunity to develop leadership skills while sharing technical knowledge with fellow soldiers.

“It’s definitely helping me learn how to direct people and guide people in training scenarios,” said Gonzales. “I’ve never been on this side of the training area, so this is experience has been beneficial.”

Gonzales said the training also helps drivers better understand the vehicles they operate and prepares them to respond during convoy operations when vehicle recovery may be required.

“I’m hoping that for future reference, people will know how to handle the vehicles they’re driving and how to set things up to be able to be towed,” said Gonzales.

Another lane focused on range card development, teaching soldiers how to analyze terrain, identify avenues of approach, and determine weapon system effectiveness within their assigned sectors.

Master Sgt. Dennis Hunter, an ammunition logistics sergeant assigned to the 111th, explained that range cards help soldiers understand their environment and prepare to defend their position.

“The range card is important because we want to identify everything that’s in front of us so that we are better prepared to defend ourselves,” Hunter said.

In addition to improving technical proficiency, instructors emphasized the value of the training in building morale, confidence, and camaraderie throughout the formation.

“Every soldier, regardless of MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), needs to understand these basic soldier skills,” Hunter said. “I hope they come away learning a basic soldier skill while building some camaraderie and having a lot of fun doing it.”

(Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Smith, Sgt. Fernando Montoya, Spc. Joseph Scibek and Pfc. Christina Gonzales, 200th PAD)

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

Congratulations, Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Mulcahy!

Excellence in leadership! Please join the 150th Special Operations Wing in congratulating our Wing First Sergeant, SMSgt Joseph Mulcahy, on being selected as the 2026 Region 7 First Sergeant of the Year! 💎

Region 7 represents a massive area of responsibility, including California, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Earning this title means SMSgt Mulcahy was recognized as the top First Sergeant across eight states and territories, an incredible reflection of his hard work, servant leadership, and commitment to the enlisted force.

📸 Celebrating the win: Col Christopher George (150 SOW/CC), SMSgt Joseph Mulcahy, and CMSgt Michael Brooks (150 SOW/CCC).

Congratulations, SMSgt Mulcahy! Thank you for everything you do for our Airmen.

06/05/2026

NMNG hosts Governor’s interns and Summer ChalleNGe students

SANTA FE, N.M. – Members of the New Mexico National Guard hosted interns from the Governor’s Office and students participating in the Governor’s Summer ChalleNGe Program today at the Santa Fe Military Complex.

Rotating in groups, participants visited a HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter on display and got to speak with crew members.

Soldiers of the 920th Engineer Construction Company arranged their vehicles in a static display and explained both the machines and their missions.

Participants also went mountain biking and rappelled down the incline wall and rappel tower – all under close supervision by NMNG members.

Additional coverage by the 200th Public Affairs Detachment is forthcoming.

📷: Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs Office

06/02/2026

44th Army Band participates in WSMR promotion ceremony

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. – Members of our 44th Army Band participated in a May 28 ceremony here where Brig. Gen. Andrew Morgan was promoted to his current rank.

Morgan is the commander of White Sands Missile Range. An Army Astronaut and Space Operations Officer, Morgan was joined by two members of the recent Artemis II mission.

Victor Glover and Christina Koch, the Artemis II astronauts, graciously posed for a picture with the 44th Army Band Soldiers.

Sgt. 1st Class Paul McLaughlin, Staff Sgt. Xinyu Yang, Sgt. Laura Pirard, Sgt. Elijah Eggleston and Sgt. Edmund Strominger represented the 44th Army Band and the New Mexico National Guard.

(Photos courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Rebekah Delgado, 44th Army Band)

06/01/2026

New Mexico National Guard Participates in America 250 Celebration and Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication

By Hank Minitrez
NM National Guard Public Affairs Director

SILVER CITY, N.M. — Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper, deputy adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard, joined community leaders, elected officials and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution on May 30 for Silver City's America 250 Celebration and Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication.

Hosted by the Jacob Bennett Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the event commemorated the approaching 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honored the sacrifices and contributions of Revolutionary War patriots whose legacy helped shape the nation.

The ceremony included patriotic readings, the dedication of a Revolutionary War Patriots Marker, the placement of a time capsule, and remarks from civic and community leaders.

Among those in attendance were New Mexico State Rep. Luis M. Terrazas, Silver City Mayor Simon Wheaton-Smith, distinguished members of the DAR and community residents who gathered to celebrate the nation's founding principles and history.

Speaking during the ceremony, Carper emphasized the importance of preserving America's history and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices that secured the nation's independence.

"The Jacob Bennett Chapter of the DAR has always understood that honoring our past is the best way to inspire our future," said Carper. "That is why the dedication of this Patriot Marker is so vital. It ensures that the sacrifices of all who fought—and all who contributed, from the East Coast to the Southwest—are never forgotten."

The marker dedication served as a lasting tribute to Revolutionary War patriots and highlighted New Mexico's connection to the broader American story.

Organizers noted that while the Revolutionary War was fought thousands of miles away, the ideals born during the nation's founding continue to unite communities across the country.

As part of the America 250 observance, participants also placed items into a time capsule intended to be opened during the nation's 300th anniversary celebration in 2076.

Carper reflected on the significance of the moment and the message being sent to future generations.

"Fifty years from now, when Silver City gathers to celebrate America's Tricentennial on July 4, 2076, this capsule will be opened," said Carper. "Though none of us can know exactly what the world will look like in 2076, we do know this: the words you write today will bridge the centuries. We are sending a message to the future that the spirit of 1776 is alive, well, and deeply rooted in Silver City."

The event underscored the enduring connection between military service, civic responsibility and remembrance.

For the New Mexico National Guard, participation in community events such as the America 250 Celebration reflects its longstanding commitment to preserving the values of service, citizenship and patriotism that have guided the nation since its founding.

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities across New Mexico continue to honor the people and principles that shaped the nation's history while inspiring future generations to carry that legacy forward.

05/29/2026

Congratulations are in order!

05/28/2026

RTI conducts driver’s training for staff

By Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs Office

SANTA FE, N.M. – Instructors at the 515th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) are taking advantage of a break between courses to conduct driver’s training for assigned personnel.

Driver’s training began with classroom instruction on Tuesday. Under the watchful eyes of the instructors, students maneuvered through an assortment of traffic cones and barriers on Wednesday. Today is the road test with tomorrow as a make-up day.

Sgt. 1st Class Gabrialle Brunwasser from the regiment’s Operations (S-3) section and Sgt. 1st Class John Crespin, Course Manager for the Motor Transport Operator Course (MTOC), are overseeing the instruction. Both are certified Master Drivers.

“Our regiment is conducting driver’s training to ensure the safety and preparedness of our Soldiers and the community. By providing comprehensive instruction and hands-on experience, we equip our personnel with the skills needed to operate military vehicles responsibly and effectively,” Brunwasser said.

“This training not only reduces the risk of accidents and equipment damage but also enhances our operational readiness, allowing us to respond quickly and efficiently to any mission or training,” she said. “Ultimately, driver’s training reflects our commitment to professionalism, safety, and excellence in service to our nation.”

Service to our nation includes being prepared for missions here at home as well as forward locations around the globe.

“Regimental drivers training is essential to ensure that all military vehicle operators possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and discipline to operate vehicles safely and effectively in both peacetime and operational environments,” Brunwasser said.

When students are present and classes are in session, RTI personnel focus on training them to standard in a positive, yet demanding atmosphere. During rare breaks between classes, they turn their attention to their own training, administrative requirements and, of course, safety.

“This training reduces the risk of accidents, enhances operational readiness, and ensures compliance with military standards and regulations,” Brunwasser said. “By standardizing driving practices across the regiment, we promote safety, protect personnel and equipment and maintain the regiment’s ability to rapidly sustain operations in any situation.”

Staff Sergeants Julian Lopez, Teresa Sauceda, Thomas Hammer and Fernando Heras are the lead instructors.

Lopez and Sauceda are instructors for the Basic Leader Course. Hammer and Heras are MTOC instructors.

Students are as follows.

Master Sgt. Andrew Flores
Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Bieniek
Staff Sgt. Andy Almaraz-Trujillo
Staff Sgt. Tylure Bazzy
Staff Sgt. Jacob Kirksey
Staff Sgt. Cheyenne Murphy

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