Army Guard 1st Sgt. Nathan Marshall, a Stillwater resident, takes command of Farmingdale-based National Guard signal company
FARMINGDALE, New York (12/21/2023) — New York Army National Guard 1st. Sgt. Nathan Marshall, a Stillwater resident, is now serving as the first sergeant for the Farmingdale-based 187th Signal Company during a Dec. 17, 2023, ceremony at the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center.
Marshall previously served as the non-commissioned officer in charge of signals, communications, and information technology for the Army Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade.
The 187th Signal Company recently returned from their deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield, supporting units in multiple countries across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The company first sergeant is the ranking non-commissioned officer in the unit, working directly with the company's commanding officer.
During the deployment, Marshall worked closely with the man he replaced, 1st Sgt. DamonGlover, who extended his time overseas to support the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
Glover urged Marshall to be "fair, firm, and consistent: in his new position.
Marshall thanked his wife, Maryna, for the sacrifices she made, and the forgiveness and understanding she bestowed for all the birthdays, anniversaries and holidays missed due to his military service.
"Thank you for standing by my side during this journey," he said to his wife, referring to her as the most important person in his life.
Yellow roses are presented to the family of the incoming leader as a ceremonial tradition to welcome them to the unit because, when a Soldier serves, the family of that Soldier serves alongside them through their sacrifice.
Marshall thanked the full-time staff of the company for their assistance during the transition and thanked the entire company for the honor and privilege of serving as the senior enlisted advisor.
He was promoted to the rank of master sergeant on Feb. 23, 2023.
Inspired by his grandfather who served in the Signal Corps, Marshall started as a multimedia illustrator and reclassified as a multichannel transmission operator with assignments in the Joint Force Headquarters, the 101st Signal Battalion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and most recently in the 369th Sustainment Brigade.
His full-time position for 14 and a half of those years was as a federal technician within the signal section of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, after which he chose to pursue a career in law enforcement.
He serves as a deputy sheriff with the Fulton County Sheriff Department.
Marshall is a highly decorated Soldier with three deployments. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the NATO medal, the Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal , the Bronze Norwegian Marsjmerket and the Luxembourg Marche Internationale de Diekirch.
"We eagerly anticipate the fresh perspective and expertise that you bring to our team," Capt. Donald Conste, the company commander told Marshal.