LEADING THE WAY FOR
THE NEW MEXICO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD ADJUTANT GENERAL
MAJOR GENERAL MIGUEL AGUILAR
Major General (MG) Miguel Aguilar began his distinguished military career at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. Upon commissioning into the New Mexico National Guard, he served as a Platoon Leader for A Battery, 1-200th Air Defense Artillery, holding multiple leadership roles within the 1-200th Air Defense Artillery Company and Battalion.
In 1999, then Brigadier General (BG) Aguilar transitioned to the 515th Regional Training Institute, where he served as a TAC officer, Company Commander, and S1. In 2005, he deployed with the Embedded Training Team, 205th Regional Corps Advisory Group, contributing to vital operations overseas. Following his return, he assumed roles as the Plans and Operations Officer for Joint Force Headquarters and later as the Operations Officer for the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
In January 2011, MG Aguilar took command of the 1-200th Infantry Battalion, leading the unit on deployment to Sinai, Egypt, in support of Task Force Sinai and the Multi-National Force and Observers mission. After his successful battalion command, he served as Assistant G1 for Joint Force Headquarters before assuming command of the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Under his leadership, the brigade transitioned into a Sustainment Brigade, enhancing operational capabilities.
In October 2019, MG Aguilar was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff-Operations and later served as the Deputy Adjutant General for the New Mexico National Guard. He also held a dual role as Deputy Commanding General for 1st Army, Division West. His extensive experience and leadership ultimately led to his appointment as the Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard.
MG Aguilar’s military service has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including:
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Campaign Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass “M” Device
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal
Multinational Force and Observers Medal
Combat Action Badge
MG Aguilar continues to lead and shape the New Mexico National Guard with a commitment to excellence, readiness, and service to both state and nation.
NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL
BRIGADIER GENERAL NATHANIEL CARPER
Brigadier General (BG) Nathaniel “Nate” Carper currently serves as the Deputy Adjutant General for the New Mexico Army National Guard, where he provides strategic counsel to the Adjutant General on daily operational activities.
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, BG Carper is the son of Susan and Tommy Carper. He pursued his early education at Calhoun County High School in Grantsville, WV, before continuing his studies at the New Mexico Military Institute, earning an associate degree. He later obtained a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
BG Carper has been an integral member of the New Mexico Army National Guard since 1997, serving in a variety of command and leadership roles. His early assignments included Avenger Platoon Leader, Avenger Battery Executive Officer, and Avenger Battery Commander from January 2003 to January 2006. He was the final Air Defense Commander for the State of New Mexico, leading as the National Capital Region – Integrated Air Defense (NCR-IADS) Commander during Operation Clear Skies in Washington, D.C.
In February 2006, BG Carper assumed command of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 515th Regional Training Institute (WTC). He subsequently served as the Commander of Troops and Battalion Executive Officer for the Warrior Transition Course until January 2008. His deployment with the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saw him serving as the Detention Operations Center Officer in Charge at the strategic-level detention center until January 2009.
Following his return, BG Carper became the Executive Officer of the 1-200th Infantry Battalion, preparing the unit for its deployment to Kosovo. In January 2011, he deployed as the Brigade S3 for Multi-National Battle Group East. By August 2014, he was assigned to the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade as the Brigade S3 and Administrative Officer in Rio Rancho, NM. From December 2016 to June 2018, he commanded the Recruiting and Retention Battalion before attending the Senior Service College.
After his graduation from the U.S. Army War College, BG Carper served as the G5/Strategic Planner for the New Mexico Army National Guard. He later took command of the 111th Sustainment Brigade and the Joint Task Force during the NMNG’s COVID-19 response. Before assuming his current role, he served as the NMARNG Chief of Staff.
Education and Training:
BG Carper has completed numerous advanced military education programs, including:
Harvard Leadership in Homeland Security
U.S. Army War College Senior Service College and Joint Professional Military Education Level II
Command and General Staff Officer’s Course
Advanced Operations Course
Combined Arms Service Staff School
Infantry Captains Career Course
Air Defense Artillery Officers Advance Course
Brigade, Battalion, and Company Level Pre-Command Courses
Air Defense Artillery Officers Basic Course
U.S. Army Air Assault Course
Awards and Decorations:
BG Carper’s distinguished service has been recognized with numerous awards, including:
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster)
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Overseas Service Ribbon (Second Award)
Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star
NATO Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Ribbon with Bronze Service Star
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Bronze Hourglass
Air Assault Badge
German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold)
German Army Marksmanship Badge (Gold)
BG Carper is married to Colleen Casey of Las Cruces, NM. Together, they have two sons, Thomas and Maxwell, and reside in Corrales, NM.
NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD DIRECTOR OF JOINT STAFF
BRIGADIER GENERAL PIA ROMERO
Brigadier General Pia G. Romero has honorably served in the New Mexico National Guard for over 28 years, following a decade of service in the United States Army Reserves. Her distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to military leadership, operational excellence, and interagency collaboration.
Brigadier General Romero earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from the College of Santa Fe and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from The University of New Mexico. She has completed an extensive array of military education programs, including Basic and Advanced Individual Training, the Ordnance Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, the Support Operations Course, the Army Force Management Course, and the U.S. Army War College Fellowship at Texas A&M University.
Throughout her career, Brigadier General Romero has held numerous key leadership and staff positions. She began her service as a Maintenance Platoon Leader and Maintenance Control Officer for Detachment 1, 3631st Maintenance Company. She went on to serve as a Supply and Services Officer for the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and as a Petroleum Officer for the 804th Quartermaster Battalion (POL). In November 2002, she was selected as the Company Commander of the 1115th Transportation Company, a role she held until December 2005. She also served as the Executive Officer for the 717th Brigade Support Battalion and has held multiple positions at the New Mexico Joint Forces Headquarters, including Selective Service Officer, Operations Branch Chief, and Training Division Chief. Her most recent assignments include Battalion Commander of the 615th Transportation Battalion and Deputy Commander and Commander of the 111th Sustainment Brigade.
Brigadier General Romero deployed to Taji, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, where she played a vital role in sustaining military operations. She has also provided critical leadership during numerous national disaster response efforts, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Gustav, as well as wildfires such as the Cerro Grande, Encebado, Las Conchas, Little Bear, Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak, and the South Fork and Salt Fires. Additionally, she served as a Senior Strategic Officer and Joint Interagency Officer at the National Guard Bureau’s Domestic Operations/Force Developments Division (NG-J3/7) in 2013 and 2016, respectively. In 2019, she was the Officer in Charge for the Joint Task Force’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating her ability to lead during complex emergencies.
Currently, Brigadier General Romero serves as the Director of the Joint Staff as a Federal Technician and the Chief of the Joint Staff in the New Mexico National Guard. In addition to her military responsibilities, she is a Certified Federal Contracts Manager and retired from Triad National Security, LLC, where she served as a Prime Contract Analyst.
Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to service continue to make a significant impact on both the New Mexico National Guard and the communities it serves.
NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD COMMAND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 5 CHARLES BOEHLER
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Charles Boehler has dedicated 38 years of distinguished service to the United States Army and the New Mexico Army National Guard (NMARNG). A seasoned aviator and leader, he currently serves as the Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO) for the NMARNG, bringing decades of operational experience and mentorship to the force.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Boehler graduated from Del Norte High School in 1986. Immediately after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on active duty as an AH-1 Cobra mechanic at two duty stations. After completing his active-duty service, he transitioned to the New Mexico Army National Guard in 1991, joining the 812th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) as a UH-1 mechanic.
In 2005, Boehler attended flight school, beginning his career as a Warrant Officer. Over the years, he became a UH-60 Standardization Pilot, accumulating more than 4,000 flight hours. His expertise in aviation operations and standardization has been instrumental in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of NMARNG aviation assets.
CW5 Boehler’s career includes five deployments in support of combat and contingency operations. His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Medals, and seven Army Commendation Medals (ARCOMs).
A lifelong learner, CW5 Boehler earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, further enhancing his knowledge and leadership capabilities in aviation and military operations.
As the CCWO for the New Mexico Army National Guard, CW5 Boehler continues to serve as a mentor and advocate for Warrant Officers, ensuring the professional development and operational excellence of the force. His decades of service, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the NMARNG and the Soldiers he has led.