New Mexico Minuteman - Spring 2012 - Keep Trees

Aragon takes charge as new RTI command sergeant major
By Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera
State Public Affairs Offi cer
Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Baca relinquished his command
responsibility for the Regional Training Institute to
Command Sgt. Maj. Matt Aragon in a formal ceremony on
Jan. 7, 2012. Baca served as the RTI commandant and
command sergeant major for about three years.
The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of the
RTI under Baca’s leadership and allowed him to refl ect on
his command. “The RTI’s offi cers and enlisted are some of
the most professional Soldiers I’ve ever had the privilege to
serve with. Through challenging times, we stood together
as a team and made a difference in warriors’ lives and the
organization as a whole. I thank all the staff and instructors
for providing a cohesive and supportive work environment
during my tenure as command sergeant major. I wish them
the very best and look forward to working together when our
paths cross again.”
Aragon is not a newcomer to command or to the RTI. He served
as the RTI command sergeant major for about a year from 2006-
2007 until he deployed with the 111th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade as the Joint Task Force commandant for Joint Task Force
Guantanamo, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Before his latest assignment
as the G3 sergeant major, he served as the 93d Brigade
command sergeant major after returning from deployment.
By Capt. Elizabeth Foott
Commander, 200th Public Affairs Detachment
Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera took command
of the 2nd Battalion, 515th Regiment,
replacing Lt. Col. Leo Griego on Feb. 11,
2012, at the Regional Training Institute in
Santa Fe. He takes the reins of the schoolhouse
from Griego, who moves on to
become the executive offi cer of the 111th
Manuever Brigade in Rio Rancho.
Griego, who had been in command for
the last two years, said that this was “one
of the best jobs I’ve had.” In recognizing
several key staff members with various
awards, he asked that the staff be treated
with respect as they had risen above the
standard in their performance.
Herrera responded, “I am in awe of what
you do daily and will continue to expect
greatness from all of you as individuals,
and most importantly, as the team you all
have shown you can be. You all do such
important work here, and I will support you
to ensure your continued success.”
4 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Spring 2012
Col. Eric Judkins, commander of the
515th RTI, thanked Griego for his “phenomenal
leadership” and presented Griego with
a Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments
during his command. The 2nd
Battalion staff also presented an award of
appreciation to the outgoing commander
for his dedication to his profession.
Judkins challenged Herrera to continue
with the high standards and raise the bar.
”You can count on the 2nd Battalion to push
the limits of our abilities and make the RTI
the best training institution around,” said
Herrera about accepting the challenge. “I
will do all I can to assist the larger mission
here and go Beyond the Standard!”
The 2nd Battalion, 515th Regiment,
has a proud tradition of training Soldiers
to standard. The Offi cer Candidate School
and Motor Transport Operators Course
provide training, administrative support,
and detailed instruction in accordance with
“This is a huge responsibility, and I feel honored to be given
the opportunity to return to the RTI as their command sergeant
major and school commandant. I’m excited to work beside, in my
opinion, some of the best Soldiers the Guard has to offer. I’m very
happy to be back,” Aragon said.
Baca will move on to his next assignment as the 111th Combat
Support Brigade command sergeant major, backfi lling the vacancy
created by Command Sgt. Maj. James Rivera, who moved on to
become the 93d Brigade command sergeant major.
Herrera takes command of 2nd Battalion, 515th Regiment
respective course management, plans and
training doctrine regulations.
“There are great things to be done and
we will work together to move forward,”
Herrera said. He is married to the former
Ellen Estuar Reyes and has two children,
Jason, 12, and Nick, 9.