SANTA FE, N.M. – State Command Sgt. Maj. Robbie Cantrell relinquished responsibility as the New Mexico Army National Guard’s senior enlisted leader to Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Smith during a July 9 ceremony at the Guard’s military complex here.
Smith is the NMARNG’s 41st State CSM.
Brig. Gen. Jamison Herrera, the Deputy Adjutant General of New Mexico, presided over the change of responsibility.
Addressing Cantrell, Herrera said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with you for what seems like ten years because you did so much. Service members know when they see you that they’ve got a friend and confidant.”
Herrera continued, “You have been the Citizen-Soldier that the rest of us want to grow up to be. You don’t let things get in the way.”
Turning to Smith and his wife Stacey, Herrera said, “Welcome to the command team. I can see the fire in your eyes. I know you’re going to make things better for the Soldiers of the New Mexico National Guard.”
Cantrell came to the NMARNG in 1999 after spending eight years on active duty with the U.S. Army. While on active duty, he served as a Ground Surveillance Systems Operator, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In the Guard, Cantrell spent three years as a Medical Specialist before reclassifying as an Air Defense C41 Systems Operator/Maintainer.
Cantrell mobilized and deployed twice with the NMARNG. He served with the National Capitol Region Integrated Air Defense Systems in Operation Noble Eagle and with a security force assistance advisory team in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cantrell’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and four Army Commendation Medals.
Cantrell and his wife Loralee have two sons Sean and Collin, daughter Madison, and are the guardians of their nephews Caleb and Jackson and niece Natalia.The family is moving to Arizona where Cantrell has accepted a position with Intel Corporation.
“This has been a pinnacle assignment of my career. I have been blessed and honored to serve the Soldiers of the New Mexico National Guard,” Cantrell said. “To the Soldiers, I am very proud of you for the support you have given me.”
Turning to Smith, Cantrell said, “Rich, I’ve always appreciated your candor and our conversations, which always led to what is best for the Soldiers of New Mexico. Soldiers of New Mexico, you are in good hands with Sergeant Major Smith.”
In closing, Cantrell thanked the American people.“I am proud to be an American, and I am very proud to be an American Soldier,” he said.
Smith began his military career with the Florida Army National Guard in 1989. He served in Air Defense positions with the Chaparral, Stinger, and Avenger missile systems, beginning as a crew member and rising to Platoon Sergeant.
Smith was activated during Operation Noble Eagle to instruct Advanced Individual Training students at the U.S. Army Air Defense School at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Smith transferred to the NMARNG in 2004. His senior leadership positions have included First Sergeant of the 920th Engineer Company; Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry; Chief of Operations for the 111th Maneuver Enhancement (now Sustainment) Brigade, and G-3 Operations Sergeant Major.
In 2008, Smith deployed to the Southwest Province of Farah, Afghanistan, where he served as an Embedded Tactical Trainer during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Smith’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He and his wife Stacey have one daughter, Adelynn.
Smith characteristically kept his remarks brief.
“I’m honored and humbled to represent the Soldiers of the New Mexico Army National Guard,” he said.
Smith said that he has two priorities—mentoring Noncommissioned Officers and advocating for resources—in his new role.
“To the Soldiers of the New Mexico National Guard,” Smith said, “I want to remind you that it is an honor to wear this uniform and represent the nation, state, and our communities.”
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