Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici today congratulated New Mexico National Guard General Kenny Montoya on his official promotion to Army brigadier general.

At the urging of Bingaman and Domenici, the Senate last month approved Montoya’s promotion. An official promotion ceremony took place today in Santa Fe.

When Gov. Bill Richardson appointed Montoya to head the New Mexico National Guard, he assumed the title “adjutant general,” but his official Army designation remained colonel until last month. The Senate is required to approve all promotions to brigadier general.

“Congratulations to General Montoya for a job well done and for this much-deserved promotion.  I will continue to work with the New Mexico National Guard and General Montoya to ensure that they are adequately staffed, trained and have the resources they need to continue their service of excellence to New Mexico and our country,” Bingaman said. 

“I am pleased the Senate recognized the dedication and leadership General Montoya has displayed in making the New Mexico National Guard an effective force. I expect his capable hand will help guide the guard as we face new challenges to our state and nation’s safety and security,” said Domenici, who serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.