Ballston Spa resident Michael Golden, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the New York Naval Militia
Latham, NY (10/08/2026) — Ballston Spa resident Michael Golden was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the New York Naval Militia at a ceremony on October 1, 2026, at the New York Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Golden, who currently serves as the executive officer for the New York Naval Militia, oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the 2,000-member force on behalf of the commander of the New York Naval Militia.
His wife, Dr. Krista Golden, and their daughters, Kaylee, Ella, Claira, and Eva, pinned his new rank on him.
The commander of the Naval Militia, Rear Admiral MaryEtta Nolan, praised Golden as an outstanding asset to the Militia and thanked him for his constant hard work and commitment to the organization.
Golden was commissioned in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2009, graduated from Norwich University, and served on active duty as a motor transport platoon commander with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
He was later assigned to the 6th Communications Battalion in Brooklyn, New York, and served as a platoon commander and executive officer of a Headquarters Company.
Golden holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Norwich University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University. He graduated from LaSalle Institute High School.
Golden has served in the Naval Militia since February 2020 and has supported the state COVID-19 operations and the New York State Department of Correction's mission.
"The Naval Militia is at a high point, and our service members have supported the New York National Guard for five years of continuous emergency missions such as COVID-19, Asylum Seeker, and the Department of Corrections," Golden emphasized.
"We can only go higher, and I am honored to work with everyone in the organization; we will continue to grow and be great," he concluded.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, and the New York State Medal for Meritorious Service.
Media Attachments
New York Naval Militia, Lt. Col. Michael Golden, was promoted by Rear Admiral MaryEtta Nolan, Commander of the New York Naval Militia, at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on October 1, 2026. Golden oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the New York Naval Militia's 2,000-member force. Golden also served in the United States Marine Corps and is a combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan.
New York National Guard
Lt. Col. Jean Kratzer, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- Halfmoon resident Eric Underhill promoted to one-star general rank during October 3 ceremony
- New York Army Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Victoria Whitley, a New Windsor resident who grew up in Washington, D.C. retires after 35 years of service
- New York National Guard marks birthday of President Chester Arthur with wreath laying ceremony in Albany Rural Cemetery
- NY Army National Guard salutes President Chester Arthur this morning, Monday, October 5 during ceremony at Albany Rural Cemetery
- New York Army Guard Major General Michel Natali, a Watertown native, retires after almost 40 years of service
- New York Army Guard Major General Michel Natali, a Watertown native, retires after almost 40 years of service
- New York Army Guard Major General Michel Natali, a Mechanicville resident, retires after almost 40 years of service
- NY Army National Guard salutes President Chester Arthur during Monday, October 5 ceremony at Albany Rural Cemetery
- Major General Michel Natali, a Mechanicville resident, retires from New York Army National Guard during ceremony this afternoon, Friday, October 2
- Albany County Executive Dan McCoy retires from New York Army National Guard after 37 years of service