Class of 2023
Retired Brigadier General Judy Griego
Brigadier General Judy Griego, a New Mexico native, began her 36-year-long military career in 1979, following in the footsteps of her father, a WWII Navy veteran, and her sister, an Air National Guard veteran. She served for 12 years in various enlisted roles, earning the rank of master sergeant.
Griego's extensive experience, including deployments overseas and domestic operations, shaped her leadership skills and understanding of joint military functions. After earning her degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she transitioned from a noncommissioned officer to a commissioned officer.
As a commissioned officer, Griego held numerous pivotal assignments playing a critical role in multiple activations such as Operation Jump Start along the U.S. southern border and again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Balad, Iraq, where she worked to protect her fellow airmen amidst frequent attacks.
Griego's leadership extended beyond combat and operational roles. As Director of the Joint Staff, she was instrumental in steering essential programs such as the Counterdrug Support Program and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, reaffirming her dedication to the welfare and dignity of the servicemen and women under her care.
In 2011, Griego became the first female Brigadier General promoted from within the ranks of the New Mexico National Guard, paving the way for other women to follow. She credits her success to the support of her family and mentors.
Following her retirement, Griego continued to serve through her work with the Department of Veterans Services and the Council for a Strong America's Mission: Readiness Program. Her legacy lives on through the growing number of female service members in the New Mexico National Guard inspired by her trailblazing career.
Major Antoinette Hanna Baca
Antoinette Hanna Baca, born to immigrant parents in Earlington, Kentucky, made history in the New Mexico National Guard. In an era when women's traditional roles were unchallenged, she shattered barriers, becoming the first female commissioned officer in the New Mexico Army National Guard.
Her journey began far from her Kentucky birthplace, sparked by Poncho Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916. Antoinette made her way to the border to cover the raid as a reporter, where she met Captain James Baca, a New Mexico National Guardsman. Swiftly married, her new role as a military spouse evolved as she began to manage clerical duties in her husband's office during his tenure as Adjutant General, and later, under Dr. Henry Rolf Brown's leadership, she was commissioned as the Assistant Adjutant General, attaining the rank of Major.
Baca's trailblazing career faced a turning point in 1921. Confronted with racial insensitivity toward her family within the Guard, Baca resigned her commission. Antoinette and James expanded their family in the coming years, having two daughters, Antoinette and Frances, before briefly returning to their roles in the New Mexico National Guard in 1927.
Though marked by periods of opposition and the eventual loss of her husband, her life remained a testament to resilience, service, and groundbreaking achievements. Not until decades later did other women find similar opportunities in the National Guard, underscoring how far ahead of her time Baca truly was.
James Baca passed away in June of 1940 at the age of 49, following an extended struggle with illness. He was accorded full military honors at his interment in the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Antoinette lived another 44 years, ultimately rejoining him in eternal rest on August 26, 1976, while visiting her daughter Frances in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1st Regiment New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry
The 1st New Mexico Regiment was established in August 1861 by trader Ceran St. Vrain and Colonel Christopher "Kit" Carson for the purpose of repelling the Confederate invasion of New Mexico.
The regiment participated in the Battle of Valverde in February 1862 under the leadership of Colonel Carson, collaborating with a Union Army contingent of approximately 3,800 men under Colonel Edward Canby. The battle took place nine miles north of Fort Craig near what is now San Antonio, New Mexico, at the Valverde crossing of the Rio Grande. Despite a Union defeat, the 1st New Mexico Regiment maintained a robust presence, notably progressing against the Confederate left flank before receiving withdrawal orders. Their cohesion and effectiveness earned them the task of impeding Confederate advances toward Albuquerque and Santa Fe, disrupting supply lines and communications with Texas.
The 1st New Mexico Regiment was mustered out of service after the end of the Civil War on September 30, 1866. With the onset of the Spanish-American War in April 1898, the regiment was once again federalized and restructured as 2nd Squadron, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, under Theodore Roosevelt, more famously known as "The Rough Riders."
The Rough Riders invaded Cuba on June 22, 1898, and forever marked their place in American history at the Battle of San Juan Hill. Tasked with capturing Kettle Hill, a stronghold fortified by Spanish troops, New Mexico's E and G troops overcame intense resistance to seize strategic vantage points over the capital city of Santiago.
In 1921, the Regiment was redesignated as the 111th Cavalry and spread across the state, performing duties ranging from strike duty to search and rescue operations. Twenty years later in 1941, the unit was once again redesignated as the 200th Coast Artillery, famed for their resilience during the defense of the Philippines in WWII and who suffered heavy losses during the Bataan Death March. As the needs of the state and nation have evolved, so has the continued legacy of the 1st New Mexico Regiment. The 200th Coast Artillery was reorganized as the 111th Air Defense Artillery following the end of the war, eventually becoming the 111th Sustainment Brigade which continues to serve actively in various deployments, including relief efforts in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria and extensive COVID-19 response initiatives within New Mexico.
188th Fighter Squadron
The 188th Fighter Squadron was federally recognized on July 7, 1947, as the inaugural unit in the New Mexico Air National Guard, transitioning from its precursor, the 507th Fighter Squadron from South Carolina. The 507th played pivotal roles in WWII, earning accolades for its valor during D-Day and Operation Cobra, reflected in the prestigious French Croix de Guerre award. Their relentless pursuit of liberty further shone in the liberation of Belgium, meriting the esteemed Belgian Fourragère and a Distinguished Unit Citation highlighting their audacious strafing and bombing campaigns.
Evolving into the 188th Fighter Squadron after the war, the unit, armed with P-51D Mustangs, became a bulwark of New Mexico's air defense. Amid the Korean War's exigencies, they were federalized, marking the skies with indelible combat feats. The squadron's narrative is punctuated with robust adaptability, evidenced in their transition through F-86E Sabres, F-80C Shooting Stars, and notably becoming the first Air National Guard unit equipped with F-100A Super Sabres.
The 188th's commitment under fire was tested in the crucible of Vietnam, flying over 6,000 combat sorties, obtaining honors, and enduring the anguish of loss. Their post-Vietnam era was characterized by innovation, firsts with the A-7D Corsair II, and indirect support for Operation Desert Storm.
The squadron, transitioning to the vanguard F-16 Fighting Falcons post-Cold War, continued breaking barriers in navigation and targeting technology, eventually expanding into the 150th Operations Group. Their post-9/11 exploits saw them deployed in Operation Noble Eagle and stationed in Iraq in 2004, inscribing another historical chapter.
In 2010, the squadron began their current role in supporting special operations within the 58th Special Operations Wing, a testament to their enduring legacy of adaptability and service.
Class of 2022
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Norlan Daughtrey
Robert Norlan Daughtrey was born on October 5, 1933, in Eagle Pass, Texas. His high school years were spent at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico. He enlisted on March 26, 1954, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and awarded his pilot wings on June 30, 1955.
Daughtrey flew fighters until July 1958, when he left active duty and joined the Texas Air National Guard. He transferred to the New Mexico ANG in May 1959, and then returned to active duty on November 20, 1963. He was assigned to the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas.
He transferred to the 12th TFS of the 18th TFW at KadenaAB, Okinawa, Japan in July 1965. He was shot down while flying his 16th combat mis sion on August 2, 1965, after attacking the Thanh Hoa bridge. He ejected and was captured less than a minute after landing.
He spent 2,751 days in captivity enduring constant harassment, intimidation, and cruelties. Daughtrey heroically resisted in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp. His efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct in the difficult condi tions of imprisonment demonstrated his loyalty of country and professionalism. He was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12,1973 to a cheering crowd and a thrilled family. He recuperated at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and then received an assignment to the University of New Mexico. He retired from the Air Force on May 7, 1975 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
After retirement, he received a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering at UNM. He worked over 20 years with various government contrac tors on Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He died on July 20, 2005, and was buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. He received numerous awards and decorations including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and many others. He was inducted into the NMMI Hall of Fame in 1984.
Chief Master Sergeant Johnnie Garcia
Johnnie H. Garcia was born December 8, 1936, in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. In 1953 he enlisted in the New Mexico Air National Guard as a Parachute Repairman.
In January 1968 the 150th Tactical Fighter Group was activated and deployed to Vietnam, Korea, and throughout the United States. Sergeant Garcia was deployed to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and assigned to the 316th Equipment Maintenance Squadron of the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing. He was the Parachute Shop Supervisor supporting three tactical airlift squadrons, which participated in worldwide tactical airlift operations, humanitarian missions, and special exercises and maneuvers including joint airborne training. Sergeant Garcia expertly and professionally supervised active component Airmen for over two years while he was a federally activated National Guardsman.
Throughout his career, which started only six years after the Air National Guard was federally recognized, he was involved in many historical and transitional actions. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Project Rivet Workforce, the Air Force Initiative to reduce and consolidate the number of aircraft maintenance specialty codes required to support weapon systems, which had a significant impact on maintenance personnel and aircraft maintenance organizational structure. He assumed roles and responsibilities in escalating importance within the New Mexico Air National Guard leading up the Aircraft Maintenance Branch Manager in the 150th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. For his 37+ years of military service, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Valor Device among many others.
His life exemplified the Air Force's Core Values of "service before self." In his military career, he was a leader, mentor, teacher, and trainer.
Upon his retirement, he served nine years as the mayor of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, parish council president at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, and chairman of the Jemez Springs Water Co-Op. Chief Garcia passed away at the age of 84 on December 24, 2020.
Capitan Maximiliano Luna
Maximiliano Luna was born on June 16, 1870, in Los Lunas, Valencia County, to the Honorable Tranquilino Luna and Amalia Jaramillo de Luna. He was educated at St. Michael's College in Santa Fe and at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He entered public life and held the offices of probate clerk and sheriff of his county and was twice elected a representative from his county to the legislative assembly, serving one of these terms as speaker.
During the Spanish-American War, he served with gallantry and credit as captain of Troop F, First United States Volunteer Cavalry, "Rough Riders." He particularly distinguished himself on the bloody field of Las Guasimas and during the terrible onslaught of San Juan Hill. He was mustered out with the regiment on September 15, 1898, receiving the highest commendations of his commanding officers, General Leonard Wood and Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.
When President William McKinley called for volunteers to serve in the Philippine Islands, Luna was one of the first to offer his services and Was recruited for the 34th U.S. Volunteer Infantry Regiment in Arizona and New Mexico. He was commissioned in June 1898 as first lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment's second battalion. He sailed on September 8, reaching Manila on October 12, and was immediately assigned to duty as an aid on the staff of Major General Henry W. Lawton and accompanied the latter on the expedition against the insurgents in the northern part of the island of Luzon. General Lawton reported that Lt. Luna drowned in the river Agno on November 15, 1899, at just 29 years old. His body was never recovered for burial.
Class of 2021
Colonel James C. McKay
Colonel James C. McKay is one of the most decorated veterans of the New Mexico National Guard.
During the Vietnam War, McKay was an enlisted Soldier serving on active duty as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and an infantryman with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. During his tour of duty, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star with valor device, and the Air Medal with valor device. Additionally, he participated in over 100 helicopter combat air assaults and was awarded 14 clusters to the Air Medal.
McKay was also awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, the Vietnamese Civil Action Award with palm, and the Valorous Unit Award. Additionally, he has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and numerous other awards and decorations, including the State of New Mexico Distinguished Service Medal, the Medal of Merit and the Outstanding Service Medal.
As the State of New Mexico State Judge Advocate, Colonel McKay drafted landmark state legislation that created the State of New Mexico Service Member Group Life Insurance Reimbursement Act and was instrumental in the passage of the State of New Mexico State Income Tax Deduction, both applicable to all members of the New Mexico National Guard.
Colonel McKay served 33 years in uniform, including 27 years in the New Mexico Army National Guard.
First Sergeant Robert L. Brown
Sergeant First Class Robert L. Brown served in the new Mexico National Guard for over 27 years, exemplifying the traits of a professional Soldier, noncommissioned officer, and motor sergeant.
He was inducted into the U.S. Army as a private first class on November 30, 1942, during World War II and served as a truck driver and mechanic in the “Red Ball Express” supply lines during the Allied offensive into Germany.
He enlisted into the New Mexico Army National Guard in Battery B, 697th AAA Battalion, on February 22, 1956. During his service in the New Mexico National Guard, he served as anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) squad leader and platoon sergeant (both in Carlsbad) and motor sergeant. He was discharged November 23, 1983, while a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion (AW) (SP), 200th ADA, in Roswell.
His leadership as Motor Sergeant in the 1st Battalion (AW) (SP) 200th ADA contributed to two Superior Unit Awards for the unit.
His decorations include several campaign medals, the World War II Victory Medal, the Recruiter Badge, three Army Commendation Medals and the New Mexico Outstanding Service Medal for meritorious service.
During his service with the New Mexico National Guard in Roswell, he began an active role with the American Association of Retired People (AARP). This included participation in local community activities and actively lobbying at the New Mexico State Legislature for senior citizen causes. He was also a member of the Roswell chapter of the National Association of Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and participated in New Mexico Employer Support for Guard and Reserves (ESGR) activities. He continued in these roles until his passing in 2010.
Chaplain (Capitan) Frederick Bingham “Ted” Howden
Frederick Bingham “Ted” Howden was 12 years old when his father Rev. Frederick B. Howden Sr. was consecrated Bishop of the Missionary District of New Mexico and Southwest Texas and the family moved to Albuquerque, N.M.
He graduated from Yale University in 1925 and then completed seminary training at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. His father ordained him Deacon at St. Clement’s Church in El Paso, Texas, on June 10, 1928, and Priest at St. Clement’s on January 13, 1929.
Howden was then called to serve as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Church in Roswell, N.M., where he ministered to the surrounding areas. He built the oldest Episcopal Church in Lincoln County and served as the Chaplain at the New Mexico Military Institute.
Chaplain (Capitan) Howden was federalized with the 1200th Coast Artillery and sent to the Philippines in September 1941, where he ministered to the New Mexican men by holding open-air services. They affectionately called him “Chappy,” and he garnered their admiration and respect by foraging for anything he could and distributing everything to those around him. After the fall of Bataan, Howden and his fellow Soldiers became prisoners of war and were forced to endure the Bataan Death March. He remained a constant physical and spiritual presence to his fellow Servicemen.
During imprisonment in several prison camps - and at great cost to himself - he often gave his own portion of food to others whom he insisted needed it more.
Howden died of disease and starvation on December 11, 1942, and was buried by his men in a small cemetery. His family was not notified about his death until June 1943. After the war in 1948, his remains were reinterred in a cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Class of 2020
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard J. Quigley
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard J. Quigley served in the New Mexico National Guard for over 30 years, exemplifying the traits of a professional Soldier, aviator, warrant officer and consummate leader. CW5 Quigley was qualified in just about every airframe the New Mexico Army National Guard had ever been assigned.
After graduating basic training in 1967, he attended the U.S. Army primary helicopter pilot training at Fort Wolters, Texas. He earned his wings and warrant officer one rank in May 1968 when he completed advanced training at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. He was then assigned to the 118th Assault Helicopter Company who provided air support to ground units fighting in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969 where he logged 1,039 combat flight hours.
After Vietnam, he trained as a flight instructor at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and was then assigned to the 56th Artillery Group in Germany where he shared his combat experience with new Army aviators until his service term ended in October 1970.
He joined the New Mexico Army National Guard in September 1976, progressing through the warrant officer ranks, ultimately obtaining the rank of chief warrant officer 5 while assigned as the fixed-wing detachment commander.
CW5 Quigley retired from military service with 12,700 flight hours, including 1,200 hours in combat. Decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 38 Air Medals, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Master Aviator Badge and many additional decorations.
Colonel Robert L. Sands
Colonel Robert Sands exemplary service in the New Mexico Air National Guard as pilot, flight leader, operations officer, squadron commander and group commander led him to serve as chief of staff (Air) and assistant adjutant general (Air).
He began his military service as a Naval Reservist in November 1942 and was called to active duty in March 1943. He transferred to the Army Air Corps to attend pilot training and he received his wings in September 1944.
He joined the New Mexico Air National Guard in 1948. The unit, possessing F-51 aircraft, was activated on February 1, 1951, during the Korean conflict and deployed to Long Beach, California, to augment the 27th Air Division. Col. Sands became jet qualified and was subsequently assigned to Korea.
Flying F-86 aircraft, he flew 104 missions (163 combat hours) and is credited with three confirmed MIG-15 kills and two damaged.
He was released from extended Active Duty on November 1, 1952, and returned to the New Mexico Air National Guard the next day.
His decorations and awards include Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Navy), Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and many others. Upon retirement in March 1978, he had approximately 5,300 hours of flying time and was rated as a Command Pilot.
First Sergeant Manuel Armijo
1st Sgt. Manuel Armijo honorably served his nation, state, the New Mexico National Guard and his fellow veterans for his lifetime.
In 1940, 1st Sgt. Armijo deployed with Battery C, 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard, and with other U.S. and Filipino troops who fought off the Japanese Army before being surrendered by senior leaders. He and the other prisoners were forced to march 65 miles up the Bataan Peninsula without food, water or medical attention. Those who collapsed along the way were shot or bayoneted; thousands more died in Japanese transport ships and POW camps.
After the "Death March," he was imprisoned in Camp O'Donnell for three months and then in Camp Cabanatuan for two more years until he boarded the Mati Maru "Hell Ship" to Omuta, Japan, where he remained captive for another year. He spent 3 ½ years in captivity and forced labor before finally returning home to Santa Fe in 1945. Of the 1,800 New Mexicans sent to the Philippines, around 900 returned home.
As the first sergeant of his company, Armijo always cared for fellow prisoners and repeatedly fought with Japanese captors, insisting on uniting the Soldiers from New Mexico at one location.
He was discharged in 1946 and was recognized with the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War, and Army Good Conduct Medals and several more. Additionally, he proudly wore the Presidential Unit Citation with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
1st Sgt. Armijo, along with other survivors, co-founded the New Mexico Military Museum.
He also established the annual Bataan surrender observances held every April 9 in Santa Fe. His words remain familiar to historians and others researching the Bataan Death March.
After the war, he served in state government, retiring as director of the Veterans Service Commission in 1966.
Class of 2019
Lieutenant General Edward D. Baca
Edward D. Baca was sworn into his hometown unit of Battery C, 726th Anti-Aircraft Artillery, New Mexico National Guard, on November 19, 1956. He graduated from Officer Candidate School on July 20, 1962, and served as platoon leader of the 3631st Maintenance Company.
He applied for an overseas active duty slot and was deployed to Vietnam. Upon his release from active duty, he returned to New Mexico to command the 3631st on February 22, 1966. He advanced through the ranks in a series of command and staff assignments. He was appointed as Adjutant General of New Mexico on January 4, 1983, and served in that role for over 11 years.
Baca was instrumental in helping modernize the New Mexico National Guard and the National Guard nationwide, including the deployment in New Mexico of the Army’s only Roland Air Defense battalion along with Chaparral and Hawk missile battalions. He initiated the New Mexico National Guard’s Drug Demand Reduction Program to assist partner law enforcement agencies fight the war on drugs and help prevent children from using drugs. The effectiveness of the program was praised by the National Guard Bureau and was used as a pilot program for the rest of the nation. He made it his priority to recognize Bataan Veterans and tell their story of their courageous service. He further promised Bataan Veterans that the New Mexico National Guard would continue the annual Bataan Commemoration Ceremony and never forget their sacrifice.
On October 1, 1994, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed by President Bill Clinton to Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the first hispanic so honored. He fought hard and was successful in protecting the National Guard’s role and contributions to national security. He retired as Chief of the National Guard Bureau on July 31, 1998.
He founded “The Baca Team LLC,” an interactive training and consulting business that teaches his many clients valuable leadership practices.
Chief Master Sergeant William Joseph Compton
William Joseph Compton deployed with the New Mexico Air National Guard’s 150th Fighter Group to Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. His work in aircraft maintenance under hostile conditions contributed greatly to the successful completion of the unit’s mission there. Upon returning home, Compton continued his service in the New Mexico Air National Guard as an expert maintainer, rising up the ranks to chief master sergeant - the top enlisted rank of the New Mexico Air National Guard.
Many Airmen describe Compton as a generational chief because of his investment in people, his investment in Airmen, and his willingness to teach so that each Airman who served under him understood not only their everyday role, but their role in the bigger picture, their role in the Air Force and their responsibilities to our community, state and country. His training and care of his Airmen touched many and lives on for generations, serving as a model for young leaders to emulate.
His desire to help those around him brought him to serve on the boards of the Enlisted Association of the United States and the Chiefs Council, where he was able to continue to look out for his fellow Guardsmen.
“His hobby that took most of his time was helping others.”
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Marie de Bremond
Charles de Bremond was a New Mexico Citizen Soldier who resided in Roswell and was constantly involved in improving his community. He joined several civic, fraternal, agricultural, livestock, horticultural and veteran organizations. The bounty from his farm was sold across the country, including over 10,000 head of sheep and 85,000 pounds of wool. Fruit from his farm was recognized at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. His priced Percheron draft mares were highly sought after and became part of the early legacy of Battery A, 1st New Mexico Field Artillery.
When Battery A was being formed in 1910, de Bremond answered the call. He was one of the unit’s most influential commanders and his name became synonymous with Battery A. It was under his leadership and iron discipline that Battery A was federalized in 1916 and again in 1917, both times under the command of General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing, initially serving on the Mexican Border as part of the Punitive Expedition.
Battery A would deploy and make a name for itself on the French Front during World War I. The “New Mexico Battery” fought at Chatrau-Thierry, St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest. Battery A was commended personally by Pershing, commander of the Americal Expeditionary Forces. The unit’s four guns fired more than 14,000 rounds in combat, surpassing all other U.S. heavy artillery units and was recognized throughout the U.S. Army.
He was quickly promoted from battery commander, and for a short time, regimental commander. His wealth of artillery experience from the battlefield earned him a return to the United States to instruct a new division of artillerymen. The end of the war in 1918 brought him home, where he continued to look out for America’s veterans by becoming an instrumental force in the formation of the American Legion. His death, due to an injury from mustard gas, prevented him from seeing the success of the American Legion.