FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer visited the Puerto Rico Army National Guard headquarters at Fort Buchanan on Aug. 4, 2025, to meet with senior leaders, engage with Soldiers and recognize outstanding performance.
During the visit, Weimer met with Puerto Rico Adjutant General Carlos J. Rivera Román and Command Sgt. Maj. Juvencio Méndez Mercado, the command senior enlisted leader, along with other senior enlisted members. Discussions focused on leadership, professional development and Soldier well-being, reinforcing the critical role of noncommissioned officers across all components.
The day's schedule included a National Leadership Council Teams call at the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, a filmed engagement with Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Ortiz and a town hall with full-time support enlisted leaders.
In the open forum, Weimer addressed topics such as readiness, modernization, recruiting and retention and improvements to training sites such as Camp Santiago.
"The visit of Sgt. Maj. Weimer has been a clear demonstration of the Army leadership's interest in our troops and local programs. It has been a valuable experience for our Soldiers and for our community," Rivera Román said.
Weimer also traveled to Fort Allen to meet with instructors at the 201st Regional Training Institute and with cadets of the Puerto Rico Youth ChalleNGe Academy, where he underscored the importance of mentorship and developing the next generation of leaders — cornerstones of Weimer’s leadership vision since assuming the role as the 17th sergeant major of the Army in August 2023.
"Our Soldiers felt heard and valued. Sgt. Maj. Weimer's message was clear: Every Soldier matters, and their well-being is a priority," Méndez Mercado said. "This visit reinforces our commitment to continue cultivating strong, prepared and dedicated leaders for Puerto Rico and the nation."
Eighteen Soldiers received the Sergeant Major of the Army's Coin of Excellence for exceptional performance during the day's engagements.
"We exist to fight and win our nation's wars," Weimer said. "This is true for all components: active duty, National Guard and reserves. We fight together as a Total Army. It's a privilege to be here to spend time with the Puerto Rico Army National Guard and reserves, and to see firsthand how they're getting after it."
The visit underscored the importance of mentorship and professional growth, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to caring for every Soldier and preparing them to meet tomorrow’s challenges with confidence and skill.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
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