NY Army Guard Capt. Rodrick Ortiz, a Bronx resident, assumes command of Jamaica, Queens- based artillery unit
JAMAICA, QUEENS, New York (08/27/2026) — New York Army National Guard Capt. Rodrick Ortiz assumed command of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, during a ceremony at Jamaica Armory in Queens on Aug. 8, 2026.
Ortiz, a Bronx resident, replaced Capt. Christopher Guzzetta, an East Islip resident, who relinquished command after completing his leadership tour with the unit.
Lt. Col. Adam Connolly, commander of the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, presided over the traditional passing of the unit colors and praised Ortiz's tactical readiness to lead the Queens battery.
Taking charge of the formation, Ortiz thanked Guzzetta for his mentorship and steady leadership leading up to the transition.
"Thank you for your mentorship, trust, and guidance," Ortiz said.
Ortiz highlighted their shared operational history as key preparation for command.
"Our deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Epic Fury provided invaluable experience," Ortiz added.
"That professional mentorship helped prepare me for the responsibilities I assume today," he explained.
Ortiz assumes authority over a battery equipped with M777A2 155-millimeter towed howitzers. The unit provides indirect artillery fire support for the New York Army National Guard and stands ready to support civil authorities during domestic emergencies across New York State, or operations overseas in the theater of war.
His wife, Abigail Ortiz, was welcomed to the unit family with a traditional presentation of yellow roses, symbolizing new beginnings and strong unit bonds.
Connolly also commended Guzzetta for maintaining high training standards and fielding capable artillery crews throughout his tenure.
Reflecting on his time in command, Guzzetta recalled an early vehicle accident involving a light medium tactical vehicle, commonly known as an LMTV, just hours after his own first ceremony.
Guzzetta explained that the operation of tactical vehicles is no easy task and spoke about the ordeal the Soldiers endured and learned from.
"Lessons were learned, no one was hurt, and the back has been rebuilt," Guzzetta said. "A legend was born."
Guzzetta explained that the early trial set the tone for the realities of company command.
"It let me know right away that command would be demanding and full of curveballs," Guzzetta said.
During the event, Guzzetta's wife, Danielle, was presented with red roses in appreciation of her endurance, support, and sacrifice during his tenure.
Media Attachments
Capt. Rodrick Ortiz, incoming commander of of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery Regiment, New York Army National Guard, passes the unit guidon 1st Sgt. Robert Delgado, during a ceremony at Jamaica Armory, New York, N.Y., Aug. 8, 2026. Ortiz, a Bronx resident, assumed command from Capt. Christopher Guzzetta during the ceremony. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Stuart Martin)
New York National Guard
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