Jay Symonds, a Manlius resident, has been promoted to sergeant major in the New York National Guard
Latham, NY (11/29/2021) — Jay Symonds, a Manlius resident, was promoted to the rank of sergeant major in the New York Army National Guard during a ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
Symonds is currently serving in the New York Army National Guard's installations and environment office. Previously he served as the first sergeant for the 827th Engineer Company, which is part of the 204th Engineer Battalion.
In civilian life, Symonds is a lieutenant in the Manlius Fire Department and is a certified paramedic and firefighter instructor.
Symonds enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 1997 and was trained as a combat engineer. He joined the 204th Engineer Battalion, which is headquartered in Binghamton and served as a team leader, section leader, and platoon sergeant before becoming the first sergeant of the 827th Engineer Company.
The first sergeant is the highest ranking enlisted Soldier in an Army company.
He deployed to Afghanistan with the 827th Engineer Company in 2010-11.
His military awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal.
He nd his wife Julie have four children; Brooke, Bryann, Alastriana and Logan.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Sgt. Major Jay Symonds receives his rank badge from his wife Julie, during promotion ceremonies held on Nov. 243, 2021 at New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham, New York as Col. Christopher Guilmette, a former commander, looks on. ( U.S. Army National Guard photo by Eric Durr)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- West Valley resident, Bradley Frank, promoted to one-star general
- Copy of: West Valley resident, promoted to one-star general during August 15th ceremony at NY National Guard Buffalo Connecticut Street Armory
- Hopewell Junction resident Jorge Medina is promoted to major in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army Guard aviators to participate in Canadian Army Reserve Exercise
- West Valley resident, promoted to one-star general during August 15th ceremony at NY National Guard Buffalo Connecticut Street Armory
- East Amherst man named top New York Naval Militia member for 2026
- Thiells resident Col. Steven Perry takes command of training unit at Camp Smith Training Site.
- New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Annual Report is now available for download as a digital document
- Mechanicville resident Lynette Tangredi becomes top enlisted leader for New York Air National Guard
- New exhibits at New York State Military Museum employ augmented reality to tell the story of the 1777 Battle of Saratoga.