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
- NY Army National Guard Major Kimberly McCarty, a Monroe resident, takes command of Explosive Ordnance Disposal battalion
- Ari Guard Lt. Col. Charles Longlois, a Mayfield resident, retires after 42 years of service
- Command Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Cohan, a Bethel resident, named senior enlisted leader for New York Air Guard's 105th Airlift Wing
- Slingerlands resident awarded Air and Space Commendation medal for actions while deployed in Iraq
- Air Guard Col. Kristopher Geis, a Newburgh resident, retires after 38 years of Service
- Army Guard Capt. Brian Gifford, a Guilderland resident, retires after 27 years of Army and Air Guard service
- 42 Infantry Division Band performs in Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City August 1 to August 9
- Cornwall resident, and West Point graduate, Matt Kilgore promoted to colonel in the New York Army National Guard
- Averill Park resident Ryan Brountas promoted to lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army National Guard Soldiers heading to Fort Irwin, California to serve as " Opposing Force"