Menands resident, Josh Heimroth, promoted to colonel

by Lt. Col. Jean Marie Kratzer

Latham, NY (08/24/2026) — Menands resident Josh Heimroth was promoted to the rank of colonel in the New York Army National Guard during an August 21 ceremony at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters in Latham, N.Y.

Heimroth enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1997 and currently serves as the director of Military Personnel under Joint Force Headquarters.

In his role, Heimroth oversees the day-to-day administrative support for almost 12,000 Soldiers across the state, said Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the New York National Guard.

"Josh was the commander of one of the hardest and most demanding battalions in the state, recruiting and retention, and he excelled in that position."

"He will do great in his current position and deserves this rank," he added.

In his remarks, Heimroth thanked his coworkers in the military for "their professionalism, teamwork, and expertise witnessed daily are impressive and remain a primary motivator for my continued service."

Heimroth concluded his speech with "I ask that you please be good to yourselves, kind and caring to one another, continue to check in on those service members and employees under your charge; you never know what others may be dealing with."

"Remember to find time with your family and friends; they too are serving and strive to be the best human you can be," he stated.

Heimroth was enlisted and served as a cannon crewmember, with Charlie Battery, 1st of the 321st Field Artillery Regiment (Airborne) stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.

He was later commissioned as an officer in the Military Intelligence Corps in May of 2006.

Past assignments include: commander of the Recruiting & Retention Battalion, executive officer in the Adjutant General's Office, battalion operations officer, assistant human resources officer, casualty assistance and military human resources officer.

He is a veteran of the Afghanistan War and graduated from several military schools: Airborne and Air Assault Courses, the U.S. Army Jumpmaster Course, the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, the Adjutant General Captains Career Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College.

Heimroth is a graduate of Siena College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing & management. Additionally, he holds two master's Degrees: one in Human Resources Management from Webster University and the other in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. He has also earned the Senior Parachutist and Air Assault badges, the German and French foreign parachutist badges.

Heimroth resides in Menands with his spouse, Amanda, and daughter, Shayna.

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