CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In a historic ceremony held at the Wyoming State Capitol on Thursday, June 27, the Wyoming Army National Guard marked a significant event for twin brothers Edmundo and Edwardo Herrera. After 35 months in the position, Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera passed the guidon to his brother, Edwardo Herrera, who will now serve as the new Command Sergeant Major of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Edmundo is preparing for a deployment to the Middle East.

The event marked a unique moment in the history of the Wyoming Army National Guard, as it was the first time the twin brothers held the same high-ranking position consecutively. Edmundo, the outgoing Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command Sergeant Major, expressed, “Edwardo is prepared to recruit and retain future talent, and I have confidence in my brother’s abilities to lead the battalion.”

The Herrera brothers’ journey began in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they grew up as first-generation Americans. Edwardo shared that his brother Edmundo inspired him to join the Army National Guard. “Edmundo enlisted a couple of years before I did, and I saw how the Wyoming Army National Guard positively impacted his life,” Edwardo said. “It made him a better brother, friend, and man. I also witnessed his relationships with leaders in the organization and how they were dedicated to developing him. This motivated me and made me want to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

The brothers have served together in the 115th Field Artillery Brigade and the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Their shared experiences have not only strengthened their bond but also their commitment to the Soldiers they lead. “Serving together has motivated us to be better servant leaders for our Soldiers,” Edwardo explained. “It has also created opportunities to collaborate and work on solutions for Soldier and organizational issues.”

Throughout their careers, Edmundo and Edwardo have been almost neck and neck in rank, fostering a healthy competition that pushed both to excel. “Soldiers thrive in competition, so we have always pushed each other to do our best,” Edwardo said. Despite their competitive nature, their support for each other has been steady. “When I finally outranked him, it only made our relationship stronger as we could impact organizational goals together positively.”