New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Miguel Rodriguez, a New Milford resident, assumes command of 27th Finance Battalion
WHITESTONE, N.Y. — New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Miguel Rodriguez, a New Milford, Connecticut, resident, assumed command of the Guard’s 27th Finance Battalion during an Oct. 24 ceremony at Francis Lewis Park in Queens.
Rodriguez replaced Lt. Col. Sara Mitchell, who led the battalion since 2023.
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.
Col. Bryon Linnehan, commander of the battalion’s higher headquarters, the 369th Division Sustainment Brigade, presided over the ceremony praised Mitchell for the incredible job she did transforming the 27th Finance Management Support Unit into a finance battalion.
“Thanks to your emphasis on leader development, the 27th Finance Battalion leads the way in terms of strength among important readiness metrics,” Linnehan pointed out.
Reflecting on her time with the battalion, Mitchell thanked the battalion’s Soldiers for their hard work and dedication.
"It has been an absolute honor to serve alongside the men and women of this battalion," Mitchell said. "Your dedication to the mission is what makes this unit successful."
During the change of command ceremony, the 27th’s flag, or colors, was transferred from Mitchell to Rodriguez.
“Lieutenant Colonel Rodriguez, I look forward to working with you again,” added Linnehan.
Linnehan shared that he was told about the excellent work Rodriguez did with the 42nd Infantry 'Rainbow' Division on their most recent deployment.
“We're grateful you now have an opportunity to continue the momentum and build upon the success of the 27th Finance Battalion”, Linnehan said.
In his remarks, Rodriguez expressed gratitude to his family, peers, and leaders who supported him on his journey from an enlisted Soldier to the commissioned officer he is now, and thanked the 36th Indiana National Guard's division-level finance extension for sending representatives to recognize the occasion after they served together during Operation Epic Fury, Rodriguez’s most recent deployment mission.
“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.”
Rodriguez earned his commission through the ROTC program at SUNY Albany.
Rodriguez has served as commander of the 7th Finance Detachment, executive officer and commander of the 7th Finance Management Support Unit and now returns after several deployments to command the battalion.
"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."
In 2002, shortly after commissioning, Rodriguez deployed to Afghanistan as a disbursing officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and again in 2014 as the officer in charge of redistribution property accountability. He served in 2020 as the deputy staff finance officer with the 42nd Infantry Division in support of Operation Spartan Shield, and again in 2025 as the staff officer for finance and resource management during Operation Epic Fury.
He has earned numerous awards and ribbons, with the highest being the Bronze Star Medal, second award.
Rodriguez graduated from the resident Logistics Captain Career Course and the Finance Officer Leader Course.
He 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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