The following Soldiers have returned from Initial Military Training, which consists of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, and are now fully qualified to join their respective units. Pvt. Pablo Almeida, 919th Military Police Company Pvt. William Barela, Company C, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Pfc. Carmelita Begay, 111th Sustainment Brigade Pvt. Kirk Begay, 1115th Transportation Company Pfc. Mario Meraz, 613th Forward Support Company Pfc. Justin Portwood, Company D, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Spc. Marisa Taylor, 111th Sustainment Brigade Pfc. Andres Torres, Detachment 2, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Maj. Rudylee Armijo, RSP officer-in-charge, presented the Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s commander challenge coin (on behalf of Lt. Col. Brian White, who was unable to attend) to Taylor and Portwood. Taylor graduated on the Commandant’s List and achieved the highest Basic Rifle Marksmanship score during her training. Portwood had the highest BRM score in his cycle. Armijo also promoted Barela and Kirk Begay to the rank of PV2 during the ceremony. “I’m going to charge you with two responsibilities,” Armijo told the group of Soldiers. One, maintain your standards. Two, get your education.” New Mexico Army National Guard Chief of Staff Daniel Stark likewise told the new soldiers to take advantage of the opportunities found in Guard service. “I started out as an E-3 in the Infantry,” Stark said. “Now I’m a colonel and the chief of staff.” Stark also thanked the family members and friends in the audience. “We can’t do what we do in the Guard without the support of employers and our families,” he said. Staff Sgt. Melissa Nevarez served as the master of ceremonies.
