Maj. Warren Maestas, the OCS officer in charge, told family and friends it would be hard pressed to find a better site to hold this ceremony, for just outside those doors in the museum are artifacts and memories that represent thousands of New Mexicans who served our communities, state and nation. “The lieutenants before you are answering the call to lead New Mexicans into the future and continue our legacy of service,” Maestas said. “The commission from OCS is earned, not given, and earning the coveted rank of second lieutenant is just the beginning of a great professional life of service to our country and state.” Col. Jamison Herrera, 111th Brigade commander and a previous OCS battalion commander who served as the guest speaker, told the lieutenants that as a graduate himself of OCS class 33-91, he knew he had reached a milestone in his career and one of his goals. “This is the only the beginning for you, not the end,” Herrera said. “When you show up at your unit, you are going to have a lot of answers because you have worked hard and studied hard.” He advised the young lieutenants to become part of the leadership team at their unit. Herrera said that had he not been taken behind the wood shed by some great NCOs and warrant officers, he probably wouldn’t be here today. “Your NCOs have been there…. they have experience in both military and civilian job sectors, and we are blessed in the national guard to have professionals from many different career fields,” Herrera said. “As a platoon leader, you are a part of a team and the more you empower your subordinates, the better off you will be.” As Herrera talked about LDRSHIP – loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage, he said the new officers should be a loyal stewards of the profession. “Be a life-long learner and be the best at your job” Herrera advised. “Speak to and learn from other leaders and managers, read, study regulations and grow your knowledge base. Find yourself a mentor and strive to learn something new every single day. Take care of your professional and civilian education – do it now and don’t put it off. Be ready now for the next opportunity.” He also told them to live their lives by the Army values and emphasized the importance of knowing the NMNG vision, mission and strategy. He asked them to trust in each other and in their leaders, and while they compete for many of the same things, they must keep pushing each other, support each other and do whats best for the agency. Herrera also stressed the importance of balancing their personal lives and work lives so they are prepared for what life throws at them – being resilient and able to adapt. “Understand the oath you are taking today and embrace the challenge you are taking,” Herrera said. “Your journey was not easy, but the harder part starts today as you step into your units and become leaders.” Each family came center stage to reveal the precious gold bars their loved ones had earned. In keeping with tradition, first salutes where rendered, symbolic of the respect due to their new rank and position and in return, they handed a silver dollar coin to those saluting them. Lynch said OCS was a great experience and recommends it for anyone looking to take the next step in sharpening their leadership skills. “The toughest part was balancing my civilian job as a financial planner with the requirements of the OCS program,” said Lynch who was assigned to the 111th Sustainment Brigade. “It has always been my goal to be an officer since I went to N.M.M.I for high school. ROTC didn’t work out cause I was playing some professional tennis, so this was my last chance and I got it done.” Brian Salazar said he is looking forward to being a platoon leader at the 720th Transportation Company and helping the unit as much as he can. “The OCS program has prepared me for the next step in my career,” Salazar said. “At the beginning you don’t realize why you are getting smoked, but then you realize the importance and purpose of doing things a certain way.” Quezada called the program both physically and mentally tough. He is excited to get to work and accomplish the missions assigned to his aviation unit. Quezada gave thanks to 1st Sgt Saavedra for his mentorship. “He was tough but made it fun,” Quezada said. “I learned a lot from that guy.” Lambright, the Erickson Trophy winner, said the class started with about 17 candidates and after phase 1, ended up with only eight, but grew to a very strong team of eight. He called the program a long journey, but is grateful for everything he learned and for becoming the person that the program has helped him develop into. He said Maj. Maestas was a great influence for him. “Maj. Maestas told me that when I first started, it was bumpy road and he wasn’t sure I was going to make it,” Lambright said. “I was fresh out of basic training and didn’t know what was really going on at the beginning. I had a shaky voice and was scared to do this or that, but with every passing drill, it smoothed itself out and now I have a lot of confidence in myself.” Howard earned the physical fitness award, scoring 314 out of 300 on her APFT. Officer Candidate Juan Vigil received academic award, averaging 91% on written exams. Lambright earned the leadership excellence award and the coveted Erickson trophy as the distinguished honor graduate. Vigil did not receive his commission, but received a certificate of completion allowing him to accept his commission anytime within the next two years. Quezada, the class president, thanked the cadre for their wisdom and mentorship over the past 18 months. He presented Capt. Wayne Flowers with an award for being a strong mentor who set the bar high and showed the OC’s how to lead from the front. “Thank you for the lessons you have taught us,” Quezada said. Maestas also thanked the staff and cadre for their tireless support during the OCS program and for helping mold the NMNGs future leaders. The mission of the 515th RTI’s OCS program is to train selected personnel in the fundamentals of leadership and basic military skills, instill professional and physical fitness, ethics, evaluate leadership potential and commission those who qualify as second lieutenants in the New Mexico National Guard.]]>
