Command Sgt. Major Javier Lugo, a Yonkers resident, is now senior enlisted leader for National Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade
New York (04/30/2025) — New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Javier Lugo, a Yonkers resident, is now the top enlisted leader for the 2,000 Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, the famed Harlem Hellfighters.
Lugo took on his new duties during an April 27 ceremony at the brigade's Harlem Armory in New York.
The 369th Sustainment Brigade traces its history back to the 369th Infantry Regiment, an African American unit which earned the title Hellfighters from the Germans who they fought.
During World War I, the 369th saw more frontline service than any other American unit-191 days - and earned more medals-171-than any other regiment.
The Soldiers of the 369th have a lot to be proud of, Lugo said during his remarks.
When he deployed to the Middle East as part of the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, a part of the 369th, the active duty Soldiers knew the history of the Harlem Hellfighters and what the regiment stood for, Lugo said.
"The 369th is known worldwide," he emphasized.
He also thanked the leaders of the New York Army National Guard for having the confidence in his leadership to give him this job.
As the brigade command sergeant major, Lugo will be responsible to the commander for the training and readiness of the enlisted Soldiers.
Lugo, who is a Yonkers police officer in civilian life, enlisted in the Army in 1996. While on active duty he served with the 5th Special Forces Group before leaving active duty and joined the New York Army National Guard in 2003.
He served in the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion in Yonkers before transferring to the 206th Military Police Company.
He served as the first sergeant of the 442nd Military Police Company and the command sergeant major of the 104th Military Police Battalion. He has also served as the commandsergeant major of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard security force in New York City, and the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
Lugo has is a graduate of the Company Commander and 1st Sergeant Pre-Command Course, the Battle Staff Non-commissioned Officers Course, and the Sergeants Major Academy.
His awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the New York State Physical Fitness Ribbon the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.