New Milford resident takes command of New York Army National Guard finance battalion

Lt. Col. Miguel Rodriguez is now leading the New York City-based 27th Finance Battalion

New York, New York (10/28/2026) — New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Miguel Rodriguez, a New Milford, Connecticut, resident, assumed command of the Army Guard's 27th Finance Battalion during an Oct. 24 ceremony at Francis Lewis Park in Queens.

The 27th Finance Battalion is headquartered in New York City near the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and is comprised of four finance companies - the 4th, 7th, 14th, and 37th Finance Companies, along with a headquarters detachment.

The battalion traces its history back to 1988 when it was organized as the 42nd Finance Company.

Rodriguez replaced Lt. Col. Sara Mitchell, who led the battalion since 2023.

Army finance battalions track and account for the funds used by high-level Army units and ensures that local vendors are paid and also handles banking and fund disbursement for units and Soldiers.

Col. Bryon Linnehan, commander of the battalion's higher headquarters, the 369th Division Sustainment Brigade, told the audience that Rodriguez was an outstanding leader.

He deployed with Rodrieguez to the Middle East and looked forward to working with him again, Linnehan said.

"We're grateful you now have an opportunity to continue the momentum and build upon the success of the 27th Finance Battalion", Linnehan said.

Rodriguez has commanded the 7th Finance Detachment and the 7th Financial Management Unit.

In his remarks, Rodriguez thanked his family, peers and the leaders who supported him during his military career.

Under his leadership the 27th Finance Battalion will be ready to deploy and will continue to develop the leadership capabilities of its Soldiers, Rodriguez said.

"The goal will be always to be ready to answer the call," he said. "The expectation is we continue to develop future leaders, because somewhere in this formation is a future battalion commander or command sergeant major."

"I am honored to lead this incredible team," Rodriguez said. "We will build on our past successes and ensure our Soldiers are ready for whatever mission comes next."

Rodriguez originally served in the Army as an enlisted Soldier and earned his commission through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program at the State University of New York, Albany.

In 2002, shortly after commissioning, Rodriguez deployed to Afghanistan as a disbursing officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He deployed to Afghanistan again in 2014 as the officer in charge of redistribution property accountability.

In 2020 he served as the deputy staff finance officer with the 42nd Infantry Division in Kuwait support of Operation Spartan Shield, the Army's division-level presence in the Middle East.

He deployed with the 42nd Infantry Division to Kuwait again in 2025 for the same operation as the staff office for finance and resource management. The division transitioned to warfighting operations in February when Operation Epic Fury-combat operations against Iran-kicked off.

Rodriguez has earned numerous awards and ribbons, with the highest being the Bronze Star Medal.

Rodriguez is a graduate of the Army Logistics Captain Career Course and the Finance Officer Leader Course.

He also holds a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology and a master's degree in social work.

In civilian life, Rodriguez is a licensed clinical social worker and the North Atlantic associate district director of administration for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife, Evita, have two children.

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