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“I’m so thankful and proud that these Soldiers once again will go forward on behalf of our nation,” Aguilar said.
Source: New Mexico National Guard (via Facebook)
By Douglas Mallary and Hank Minitrez, NMNG Public Affairs Office
Photos by Hank Minitrez, Iain Jaramillo and Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs Office: Courtesy
The New Mexico National Guard hosted two Yellow Ribbon farewell ceremonies to salute members of 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry. The battalion is set to deploy soon to the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.
The first ceremony was held May 15, 2025 at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces for those units in the southern part of the state. Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, spoke to the deploying Soldiers and their families in a crowded gymnasium. “I’m so thankful and proud that these Soldiers once again will go forward on behalf of our nation,” Aguilar said.
“Every Soldier who wears this uniform is able to do this because of your support. We know behind every Soldier is a family,” Aguilar said. “We’re thankful for your support and, more importantly, your sacrifice. You make sure the home is taken care of, that the children are taken care of.”
Aguilar also expressed his confidence the battalion’s command team, Lt. Col. Sergio Hands and Command Sgt. Maj. Docklure Stephanus. “I want the family members to know this: There is a strong leader and strong command sergeant major taking this unit forward,” Aguilar said. “I can’t think of a better team to lead this mission, take care of Soldiers, and bring them home safely.”
Hands then took the podium.
“Our nation has called us to serve, and we are ready to answer that call. We prepared for months for this, and now it’s time,” he said. “Our commitment to our unit’s lineage, the Battling Bastards of Bataan, is strong. It is a great privilege to contribute to this unit’s history and legacy,” Hands explained.
He then addressed the relatives and friends present.
“Thank you to the families and everyone who is supporting us,” Hands said. “We will do you proud.”
The NMNG held a similar ceremony today at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho to salute the battalion’s two units stationed at the Rio Rancho Readiness Center: Alpha Company and Bravo Company.
Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper, the NMNG’s Deputy Adjutant General and Land Component Commander, was the first speaker. Carper pointed out that 1st Battalion has previously been deployed to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt (under the command of then Lt. Col. Miguel Aguilar), Kosovo, and Iraq.
“We’ve asked a lot of this unit. The state has, and the nation has, and we ask a lot the families,” Carper said. “You’re doing something that our nation needs,” Carper told the Soldiers. “I know you’ll represent this state and nation with honor.”
Hands echoed Carper’s sentiment.
“Our Soldiers have been trained to perform their best on their worst day,” Hands said.
Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Jay Block joined Carper and Hands in today’s official party. Hull, a long-standing supporter of the Guard, has attended numerous Yellow Ribbon ceremonies in the past. He asked all the deploying Soldiers present to stand and be recognized with a round of applause from the dignitaries and audience.
Block, a former Air Force officer with combat experience, both thanked and reassured the Soldiers and their families. “You’ve got our backs,” Block said. “We’ve got yours – as we should.”
