Albany resident Melanie Padilla is promoted to lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard
Latham, New York (04/28/2025) — Melanie Padilla, an Albany resident, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard during a Friday, April 25 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.
Padilla, who joined the New York Army National Guard as a second lieutenant in 2009, currently serves as the State Partnership Program officer for the New York National Guard. In that role, she is responsible for coordinating training and exchange activities for New York National Guard personnel and leaders with the militaries of Sweden, Brazil and South Africa.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Cronin, the deputy commander of maneuver for the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division, praised Padilla as an officer who was good at everything she does.
Padilla, he said, "is a veritable Swiss Army knife of an officer."
In her comments, Padilla thanked her family for their support over the years, her peers for making her a better officer, and her leaders for their mentorship over the years.
Padilla was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Program at Canisus College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in history.
She was commissioned in the Army Signal Corps, and has served as a platoon leader, company commander, electronic warfare officer, officer strength manager, battalion executive officer, recruiter, 42nd Infantry Division senior information assurance officer, state mobilization officer and state training officer.
She deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.
Padilla is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, the support operations course, and the officer strength management course as well as the electronic warfare operations course.
She also holds a master's degree in information technology management from Webster College.
Her awards include the Army National Guard Recruiting Badge, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Meritorious Unit commendation, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal.
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New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Melanie Padilla, New York National Guard State Partnership Program Director poses with her family and friends after her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel ceremony held at the New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham, NY on April 25, 2025. .(U.S. Army photo by Stephanie Butler)
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