New Mexico Minuteman - Winter 2012

Making the Rank:
Two NMNG females promoted to sergeant major
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO
Two of New Mexico’s senior female master sergeants were
recognized for their hard work and dedication to the New Mexico
National Guard when they were promoted in front of family, friends
and other Guard members to the rank of sergeant major Oct. 14,
2011, at the Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe.
Sgt. Maj. Melanie Suazo, Military Personnel sergeant major,
was pinned by her husband Ken Suazo and son Spc. Kris Ortega;
and Sgt. Maj. Karen Martin, Recruiting and Retention sergeant
major, was pinned by her husband Shannon Martin, son Dakota
Martin and Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Garcia, Recruiting and Retention
command sergeant major.
Suazo, a Canjilon native, enlisted in the New Mexico National
Guard in March 1988 as a private.
Suazo, who has dedicated more than 23 years to the National
Guard and has more than 22 years active duty service, offered
advice to lower enlisted Soldiers, “I believe when facing great
challenges, have faith in yourself, and all will turn out the way it’s
meant to.”
Martin, a Belen native, enlisted in the New Mexico National
Guard in April 1995 after serving six years on active duty. She has
dedicated over 22 years of military service, including 16 years to the
National Guard.
“I would like to thank my family for their support throughout
my 22 years of military service,” said Martin. “I especially want
to thank my parents, Eloisa and Candelario Padilla, for instilling
in me the value of hard work and perseverance
that will always make you successful in any
undertaking.”
During the promotion ceremony the accomplishments
of both sergeants major were
acknowledged by their peers as they were
accepted into their new rank.
“Both sergeants major will add experience
and knowledge to the senior NCO ranks,” said
Sgt. Maj. Brenda Mallary.
After the retirement of Sgt. Maj. Fatima Berry
in June 2010, Mallary and Sgt. Maj. Elizabeth
Bryant were the only two female sergeants major
in the New Mexico Army National Guard.
“With the limited number of females in the E9
ranks, this will defi nitely give us more of a voice,”
said Mallary. “I am looking forward to working
with both of them.”
As senior NCOs, Suazo and Martin will continue
to have great infl uence across the New
Mexico National Guard and continue to mentor
enlisted females and inspire women throughout
the military.
Spc. Kris Ortega pins sergeant major rank to Sgt. Maj. Melanie Suazo’s cap
during her promotion ceremony October 14, 2011 at the Regional Training
Institute in Santa Fe, N.M. Suazo is the Military Personnel sergeant major
and Ortega’s mom.
Sgt. Maj. Karen Martin, Recruiting and Retention sergeant major, is pinned by her husband
Shannon Martin October 14, 2011 at the Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M.
Winter 2012 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 13