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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)

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