Retired Col. Raphael Warren was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General (NMSDF) in keeping with his appointment as the Assistant Adjutant General for the NMSDF during the first part of the ceremony. Warren recently retired from the New Mexico Army National Guard. In the second part of the ceremony, Warren assumed command from Brig. Gen. (NMSDF) David Torres. Torres was officially retired as the Assistant Adjutant General for the NMSDF during the third part of the ceremony. Torres previously retired from the U.S. Air Force as a colonel. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Nava, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, presided over the ceremony. Nava presented Torres with the New Mexico Distinguished Service Medal, a letter of appreciation (which Nava read aloud), his TAG challenge coin, and an encased New Mexico flag. “General Torres, you’ve done a magnificent job,” said Nava. “There are some people missing here from when you took over. They left. Perhaps they were disgruntled, but there are people who stayed and others who joined under your leadership.” Nava then gave Warren his marching orders to continue to grow and improve the NMSDF. “We’re going to create a State Defense Force that’s a model for the rest of the nation,” said Nava. Nava pointed out that many NMSDF members are professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, who wish to serve the state. “They are part of the New Mexico National Guard,” said Nava. “It’s customary for the incoming commander to recognize the person who got him here,” said Warren. “I want to thank you, General Torres, for the outstanding job you’ve done with the State Defense Force.” For Torres, it was obviously an emotional day. “I’ve had the honor of wearing the uniform for 33 years, but today I’m taking it off for the last time,” Torres said. “When people thank me for my service,” he continued, “I’ve always made it a practice to say to them that it’s my privilege.” Torres thanked his wife, whom he called his “wingman,” for her support during his multiple careers. Torres explained that the NMSDF is comprised entirely of volunteers who train to respond to local and state emergencies. “They can provide medical coordination, legal coordination, shelter coordination, and much more,” he said. “General Warren, you are inheriting a group of people who will leave their jobs, who will leave their families, without question when duty calls,” Torres said. Turning to the NMSDF personnel in the room, Torres said, “My final word to you are to continue to do well, but more importantly, continue to do your duty.”
