SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
By NMDVS
Retired New Mexico National Guard (NMNG) Brigadier General Judy M. Griego has been named by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS). The selection is subject to confirmation by the state Senate during the 2019 New Mexico Legislature, which convenes on January 15 and adjourns on March 16.
Secretary-Designate Griego had a distinguished and decorated 37-year NMNG career, retiring in August of 2016 at the rank of Brigadier General—the first woman to be promoted to the rank of General in NMNG history.
“I am humbled to be Governor Lujan Grisham’s choice as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services,” said Secretary-Designate Griego. “I have a passion for serving veterans and their families–because I am a daughter of a World War II navy veteran, and have spent my adult life serving soldiers and their families. I am excited to be able to continue this passion by leading the state agency which matches my commitment to, as its motto states, ‘Serving Those Who Served’”
The native of Carnuel in eastern Bernalillo County began her military service in 1979 by enlisting in the New Mexico Air National Guard. She worked her way through the enlisted ranks—attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1991, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from the Academy of Military Science at McGhee-Tyson Air Force Base in Knoxville, TN.
In 2007, then-Lt. Col. Griego was deployed to Balad Air Base Iraq to serve in key leadership positions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her rise through the officer ranks culminated with her historic promotion to Brigadier General on December 1, 2011.
Among Secretary-Designate Griego’s notable career accomplishments was being namedChief of the Joint Staff, and Director of the Joint Staff at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. In these capacities, she directed, managed and supervised the development, execution and evaluation of programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operations at the State Headquarters level.
Her expertise in manpower and personnel management accounted for the rapid transformation and re-allocation and training of more than 900 members of the ANG Fighter Wing as the unit transitioned into a Special Operations Wing. The transition was successfully accomplished a year ahead of schedule, while simultaneously increasing its mission capability with the Air Force.
She was also responsible for the training, readiness and performance of the Air National Guard as it served numerous federal and state missions here in New Mexico in support of domestic operations and homeland security. She served as the state’s senior federal National Guard management official and as principal executive assistant and advisor to The Adjutant General. General Griego was also responsible for directing key personnel programs such as the Guard’s Sexual Assault Response Prevention Program, Counter Drug Support Program, Officer Force Development, Veterans Transition Assistance Program, and the 64th Civil Support Team.
During her military service, Secretary-Designate Griego earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics and a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She resides in Albuquerque with her husband, retired NMANG State Command Chief David Griego.
