Nathan Lord, a graduate of York High School and Afghanistan War veteran became the New York National Guard's newest general officer

Latham, NY (07/14/2021) — Nathan Lord, a graduate of York High School and Afghanistan War veteran became the New York National Guard's newest general officer during a ceremony at his family home in York, Maine on Friday July 9.

Lord was promoted to the rank of brigadier general by Major General Thomas Spencer, who is a York resident and the commander of the 42nd Infantry Division. The ceremony was conducted with the Atlantic Ocean as a back drop.

The 42nd Infantry Division includes Soldiers from across the northeast and New England. Because the division is headquartered in Troy, New York, Lord who currently lives in Waterbury, Vermont had to transfer from the Vermont Army National Guard to the New York Army National Guard.

Lord, a 32-year veteran of the Army National Guard, started his military career in the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain) of the Maine Army National Guard in 1988.

Lord, Spencer said, " is the right man for the job, I have known Nate since 2015 and he is the type of leader who will make things happen, he will bring many unique capabilities to the Division."

Lord will serve as the deputy commander for support for the 42nd Division which has 20,000 Soldiers assigned to elements in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.

"You will be a great asset to the team and congrats on becoming a general, "Spencer told Lord.

In his remarks, Lord thanked his family for their constant support over the years and all of his friends and mentors that have supported him through the years.

"This achievement is more because of all of you, thank you for your confidence, support and patience," he added.

"Being a part of the historic Rainbow Division is absolutely humbling and I am honored to be a part of this team," Lord said.

Lord had served as a full-time National Guard officer. His assignments include company executive officer and company commander, operations officer at the Mountain Warfare School at Camp Ethan Allen, Vermont, battalion executive officer, operations officer for the 86th Troop Command, training officer and executive officer for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and operations officer for the Vermont Army National Guard.

Lord Commanded the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain) from 2006-2009 and the Army Mountain Warfare School from 2009-2011.

He served as the Executive Officer for the 86th Brigade Combat Team from 2011-2013

He then served as the Brigade Commander for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) from August 2017 to July 2020. His most recent assignment was as the Vermont Army National Guard Chief of Staff from July 2020.

Lord is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom serving in Afghanistan as the Battalion Training Team Chief from 2003-2004.

His awards and decorations include among others the Bronze Star medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Ram's Head Device.

Lord is a graduate of the United States Army War College, Army Mountain Warfare School, the Winter Assault Climber Course, the Sniper Course, Northern Warfare Training Center, and the Norwegian Winter Warfare School.

Lord and his wife Sarah have a son Sam, and daughter Elizabeth.

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