Nassau National Guard Soldier receives promotion to lieutenant colonel

Latham, NY (04/29/2024) — John Harder, a Nassau, New York native who twice deployed overseas, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard during a ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, N.Y. on Friday, April 26, 2024.

Harder, who deployed to Iraq in 2010-2011, and a decade later to Kuwait, now serves as the executive officer for the office of the adjutant general, coordinating and supporting the senior leadership activities, training, and missions.

New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith presided over the ceremony to pin Harder his new officer's rank.

"You've worked here at Joint Force Headquarters, 53rd Troop Command, 42nd Infantry Division and you always strive to get to yes in everything you do," Smith said.

"We are all so very proud of your achievements," Smith said. "You've always done what you've been asked, with no pushback."

Harder took time to reflect on his 19-year career and the many officers and noncommissioned officers who mentored him throughout his service.

"I never thought when I enlisted that I would be here today with all of you," Harder said. "I am blessed and thankful beyond words to be able to continue to serve in this new capacity."

He thanked the many commanders he served with and expressed appreciation of his chosen military personnel career field, bringing him in touch with so many peers over the past 19 years.

"I was hopefully able to help you navigate complex personnel systems, assist commanders in making the right choices for their Soldiers, giving you advice on your careers," he said.

"I will try every day to make things better those around me, to endeavor to treat others the way I want to be treated and be efficient in all that I do. I look forward to continuing to serve with all of you."

Harder was pinned by his close friends Mark and Lori Oswald, presenting Lori with a bouquet of flowers for her support and explaining their relationship.

"I had Mark and Lori Oswold come up here for the pinning ceremony," Harder explained. "After my grandparents who raised me passed away when I was in college and was completely on my own, they have assumed the role of parents for me in my life."

Harder enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in the spring of 2005 and received his commission following his completion of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program as a cadet, serving simultaneously in the Army National Guard in 2008.

As a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General branch, Harder first served as an operations officer with the 56th Personnel Services Battalion in Latham, N.Y.

In 2009, he served as the battalion personnel officer for the 501st Ordnance Battalion in Scotia and deployed to Iraq as part of the battalion staff.

He returned from deployment and was selected for full time service with the Joint Force Headquarters in Latham as the Personnel Services Automated Records Branch Chief, receiving a promotion to captain in 2012.

Harder transferred in 2016 to the 53rd Troop Command Headquarters at Camp Smith as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, pinning his field grade rank of major in 2017.

He was reassigned to the New York Recruiting and Retention Battalion in Watervliet, N.Y. in 2019 as the battalion operations officer and then as the Assistant Personnel Officer for the 42nd Infantry Division in Troy, N.Y. for the unit's 2020 mobilization and deployment to Kuwait as Task Force Spartan.

Harder returned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion in 2021 to serve as the deputy commander.

He was selected in January 2024 as the executive officer for the office of the adjutant general with the Joint Force Headquarters.

"You're collaborative and an amazing mentor and leader for many others," Smith said. "Your breadth and depth of experience across the roles you have held make us confident that we are leaving this organization in good hands for future leaders."

"You're by far, the best HR professional that I have ever had the opportunity to work with," she said.

Harder is a graduate of the Adjutant General's Corps Basic Officer Leadership Course and Captain's Career Course as well as the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), the Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal (2nd award), the Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device.

He holds a bachelor's degree in American Studies from Siena College.

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