Major Daniel Roberts/Courtesy photo

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

National Guard Major Daniel Roberts has relinquished command of the 1209th Medical Company and moved to his new assignment as the Executive Officer of the 111th Special Troops Battalion under the command of LTC Daniel Griego.

Roberts, who is a Los Alamos Police Department commander and Los Alamos native, served as commander of the 1209th for more than 5 1/2 years. At a ceremony May 15 at the Rio Rancho Readiness Center, family, friends and colleagues commended Roberts for his years of service to the soldiers of the unit.

“The 1209th is a very demanding command, to say the least. Roberts, I know this is your second time in the shoe as the 1209th’s commander, and the organization is lucky to have your knowledge and expertise in leading them,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Griego, commander of the 111th Special Troops Battalion. “Thank you for all that you have done and for your commitment and dedication.”

While Roberts was serving as commander, the unit was deployed on several humanitarian missions for the state and the nation.

“We deployed when the hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, we helped with the COVID missions, we’ve assisted during two presidential inaugurations, we help with summer youth camps, and we have given support during the fires to help with evacuations,” said Roberts. “The self-sacrifice of medical personnel, especially the last couple of years through COVID, is truly amazing.”

He said although he is sad to leave the 1209th, he is looking forward to his new assignment.

“It’s kind of bittersweet because this might be the end of my medical career as I transition into logistics,” said Roberts. “I’m going to miss the soldiers, but I know going over to Special Troops Battalion that they have the same type of family over there and I am looking forward to joining them.”

Between his U.S. Army service and his National Guard service, Roberts has more than 19 years in. He has served with the Los Alamos Police Department since 2010.