Nathan Lord promoted to brigadier general in Army National Guard

July 15, 2021  |  By Maj. Jean Kratzer

N.Y. Army National Guard., 42nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Thomas Spencer (left) promotes Brig. Gen. Nathan Lord in York, Maine on July 9. With Lord are his son Sam, who pinned a new rank on his father, while Lord’s wife Sarah and daughter Elizabeth look on. Lord will serve as the deputy commander for support for the 42nd Division which has 20,000 Soldiers assigned to units in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Hampshire. Photo By Maj. Jean Kratzer.

Waterbury resident and Afghanistan War veteran Nathan Lord became the New York National Guard’s newest general officer during a ceremony at his family’s home in York, Maine, on July 9.

With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, Lord was promoted to the rank of brigadier general by Maj. Gen. Thomas Spencer, the commander of the 42nd Infantry Division which includes soldiers from across the northeast and New England. Because the division is headquartered in Troy, N.Y., Lord had to transfer from the Vermont Army National Guard to the New York Army National Guard.

A 32-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Lord started his military career in the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain) of the Maine Army National Guard in 1988. Spencer said Lord is the right man for the job. “I have known Nate since 2015, and he is the type of leader who will make things happen. He will bring many unique capabilities to the division.”

Lord will serve as the deputy commander for support for the 42nd Division which has 20,000 soldiers assigned to elements in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. 

“You will be a great asset to the team and congrats on becoming a general,” Spencer said to Lord at the ceremony.

In his remarks, Lord thanked his family members, friends, and mentors who have supported him through the years. “This achievement is more because of all of you, thank you for your confidence, support and patience,” he said. “Being a part of the historic Rainbow Division is absolutely humbling and I am honored to be a part of this team.” 

Lord had served as a full-time National Guard officer. His assignments include company executive officer and company commander, operations officer at the Mountain Warfare School at Camp Ethan Allen, Vt., battalion executive officer, operations officer for the 86th Troop Command, training officer and executive officer for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and operations officer for the Vermont Army National Guard. 

Lord commanded the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain) from 2006-2009 and the Army Mountain Warfare School from 2009-2011. He served as the Executive Officer for the 86th Brigade Combat Team from 2011-2013. He then served as the Brigade Commander for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from August 2017 to July 2020. His most recent assignment was as the Vermont Army National Guard Chief of Staff from July 2020.

Lord is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom serving in Afghanistan as the Battalion Training Team Chief from 2003-2004. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation medal, Army Achievement medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Ram's Head Device.

Lord is a graduate of the United States Army War College, Army Mountain Warfare School, the Winter Assault Climber Course, the Sniper Course, Northern Warfare Training Center, and the Norwegian Winter Warfare School.

Lord grew up on the coast of Maine and currently lives in Waterbury with his wife Sarah, son Sam, and daughter Elizabeth.

Maj. Jean Kratzer is with public affairs at the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters in Latham, N.Y.