In July 2025, the Puerto Rico State Guard (State Defense Force) played a vital role in supporting the Puerto Rico National Guard during one of the year’s most significant public affairs events, the “Boss Lift” at Camp Santiago, Salinas. On July 18, soldiers from the 900th Medical Command and the 500th Engineering Battalion prepared for the exercise by transporting and deploying a mobile hospital unit, ensuring that fully capable medical facilities were available throughout the event. These efforts highlighted the State Guard’s readiness to mobilize specialized assets in support of military and community needs.
The following day, July 19, soldiers and officers from the 900th Medical Command provided continuous medical support during Boss Lift 2025. Their presence was essential in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of participants, which included civilian employers from across Puerto Rico who were invited by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) to see firsthand the dedication and professionalism of their citizen-soldier employees. In addition to simulator demonstrations and hands-on training experiences, employers also took part in a UH-60 Black Hawk flight, offering them a rare perspective into the responsibilities and training of Puerto Rico’s Military Forces.
During the event, the Assistant Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, COL (Ret.) Carlos Rivera Román, emphasized the long tradition of service and connection the Guard has maintained with the people of Puerto Rico. “In these 106 years of history, the National Guard of Puerto Rico has been a pillar of service, preparation, and connection with our people. Coinciding with this date with the Boss Lift reflects that spirit of unity between the military and the civil that makes us stronger as a society,” he stated. Rivera Román also took the time to visit with the troops of the State Guard, personally commending their professionalism and devotion to duty. His remarks not only marked the 106th anniversary of the Puerto Rico National Guard but also underscored the essential role the Puerto Rico State Guard plays in supporting and strengthening the mission of the National Guard.
The Puerto Rico State Guard’s participation ensured the smooth execution of this milestone event while reinforcing the strong bond between the National Guard, State Guard, and the civilian community. Their efforts once again showcased the value of the State Defense Forces, whose members consistently demonstrate professionalism, readiness, and service.
Across the nation, State Defense Forces play a strong role in supporting and augmenting their state National Guards. Whether in public affairs, engineering, medical, transportation, administration, or emergency response missions, State Guards bring essential skills to the table. These collaborations strengthen camaraderie, enhance teamwork, and ensure better coordination during statewide emergencies. Truly, it is One Team, One Mission.
On July 18, 2025, soldiers from the 900th Medical Command and the 500th Engineering Battalion of the Puerto Rico State Guard Command carried out preparations in support of a “Boss Lift” mission at Camp Santiago. As part of the operation, the soldiers transported and deployed a mobile hospital unit to support medical operations during the event.
This type of mission demonstrates the operational capability and level of readiness of our units to respond to any need. The active participation of our soldiers reflects the State Command’s commitment to service and to supporting our community at all times.
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, soldier and officers from the 900th Medical Command of the Puerto Rico State Guard Command provided outstanding medical support during the Bosslift 2025 exercise, once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Puerto Rico and our Nation.
During the event, they were honored by a visit from the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, COL (Ret) Carlos Rivera Román, who personally recognized their dedication and efforts in this important mission. His presence reaffirmed the trust and support placed in our soldiers, who serve our people each day with excellence.
We deeply appreciate their dedication, professionalism, and spirit of service. Their participation was key to the success of the exercise, strengthening the bond between our military forces and the civilian community.
Puerto Rico National Guard commemorates its 106th anniversary by strengthening ties with the civilian sector in the “ESGR Boss Lift”
Salinas, Puerto Rico – July 19, 2025 – As part of its 106th anniversary, the Puerto Rico National Guard (GNPR) celebrates today one of the most significant activities of civic-military integration: the “ESGR Boss Lift”, carried out at Camp Santiago in Salinas.
The activity, organized by the Guard and Reserve Employers Support Committee (ESGR), provides public and private sector employers with an immersive experience of the training and skills of their employees who also serve as citizen-soldiers in the GNPR. Participants were able to share with soldiers in training, observe simulations and closely understand the value of the dual service exercised by our men and women in uniform.
Although the traditional cake cut was carried out yesterday, the celebration continues today, reinforcing the visibility of the National Guard and its essential role in the defense, emergency response and development of Puerto Rico. This commemoration not only recalls more than a century of service and sacrifice, but also highlights the dynamic present of the institution and its commitment to the future.
“In these 106 years of history, the National Guard of Puerto Rico has been a pillar of service, preparation and connection with our people. Coinciding with this date with the Boss Lift reflects that spirit of unity between the military and the civil that makes us stronger as a society,” said the General Assistant of Puerto Rico, Colonel (Ret.) Carlos J. Rivera Román
The GNPR thanks all the bosses who support our soldiers in their dual role and reaffirms its mission to remain Always Present for Puerto Rico and the Nation.
Civilian employers from across Puerto Rico got a firsthand look at the training and dedication of their citizen-Soldiers during the ESGR Boss Lift at Camp Santiago. From military demos to simulator training and a UH-60 Black Hawk flight, the experience strengthened the bond between the Guard and the employers who support them. (National Guard video by Josue Rivera)
