Skaneateles resident Kevin Palmer, an Iraq War veteran, is promoted to sergeant major in the New York Army National Guard
Latham, New York (11/13/2025) — Kevin Palmer, a Skaneateles resident and Iraq War veteran, was promoted to sergeant major in the New York Army National Guard during a Thursday, November 13 ceremony at New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham.
Palmer, is a full-time Guard Soldier who is currently assigned to New York National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, joined the New York Army National Guard in 1999.
Major General Michele Natali, the Adjutant General, Army, praised Palmer as an outstanding non-commissioned officer who has accomplished a great deal during his career.
In his remarks, Palmer thanked those he has served with over the years, and his wife Rose Palmer, for her support for his 26-year military career.
Palmer initially served as an infantryman and then reclassified as a military police Soldier in 2004 when the 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment was disbanded.
Palmer served in the Auburn-based 102nd Military Police Battalion in a number of non-commissioned officer positions for over 15 years. During that period, he prepared military police companies for deployment and responded to Washington D.C. in the aftermath of January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
From 2022 to 2024 he served as the first sergeant for the 105th Military Police Company in Buffalo. His most recent assignment was serving as the acting senior state operations NCO for the Joint Force Headquarters Army National Guard operations section.
Palmer deployed to Iraq with the 222nd Military Police Company in 2006-2007 in Baghdad.
Palmer is a graduate of a number of military schools, including the Army Sergeants Major Academy.
His awards include the Bronze Star with V for valor, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
Plamer and his wife have a son, Matthew.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Kevin Palmer’s wife Rose pins on the rank of sergeant major during his promotion ceremony on November 13, 2025 at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, New York. Palmer is the operations NCO for New York Army National Guard Operations and Training. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Stephanie Butler)
New York National Guard
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