Eric Geressy, senior advisor for strategy to the US Secretary of War, visited the Puerto Rico National Guard’s Muñiz Air Base, where he evaluated the Guard’s operational capabilities and met with more than 150 service members. During the visit, Geressy received information on the organization’s readiness, modernization and strategic planning priorities, as well as its capacity to support missions in Puerto Rico, the United States and abroad.
Puerto Rico’s adjutant general, Carlos Rivera Román, said in written statements that the visit offered an important opportunity to highlight not only the Puerto Rico National Guard’s capabilities but also the service members who make them possible. The meetings also included Carlos Torres Febus, commander of the land component; Humberto Pavón, the adjutant general’s air deputy; and other high-ranking officers.
A delegation from the Office of the Secretary of War discussed the Guard’s current operational requirements and future initiatives. Geressy also met with more than 150 members of the various military components, who shared information about their duties, experiences and participation in missions. He recognized several service members with the Secretary of War’s coin, a distinction awarded for performance, leadership and contributions to operational readiness.
Geressy is a retired US Army sergeant major who completed a 26-year military career and later served at US Southern Command before taking his current strategy advisory role. The Puerto Rico National Guard said the visit allowed it to present its response capabilities and the needs tied to fulfilling state and federal missions.