Garrison Command Leadership

COL Michael V. Soyka
Garrison Commander

Col. Michael V. Soyka is a 2002 graduate of the United States Military Academy, where he was commissioned as an Armor officer after graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

He completed the Armor Officers Basic Course in December 2002, assigned to 3rd BN, 67th Armored Regiment as a Platoon Leader, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I in Baqubah, Iraq.

In 2005, Col. Soyka again deployed with 3rd BN, 67th Armored Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07 as the Executive Officer for D Co, 3-67AR and later as a Battle Captain for 4th BDE, 4ID in Eastern Baghdad.

After returning to Fort Hood, he attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course and the Cavalry Leaders Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Col. Soyka was reassigned to the 3rd BCT, 1st ID as the Deputy Chief of Operations, then assigned to 2nd BN, 2nd Infantry Regiment as the Assistant S3, and subsequently as an Infantry Company Commander during their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom IX. 

Following redeployment, he served briefly as the Assistant S3, 3d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment and then assumed Command of C Co, 1st BN, Warrior Transition Brigade.

Col. Soyka was selected for the Eisenhower Leader Development Program and completed his Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and served as the Current Operations Chief for the United States Corps of Cadets.  He was next assigned as the Tactical Officer for 2nd Bn, 4th Regiment of the United States Corps of Cadets and the Tactical Officer of F Company, 4th Regiment, United States Corps of Cadets.

After graduating from the Command and General Staff College, Col. Soyka was assigned as the Regimental Planner and SHARP Officer for 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany.  He was later assigned as the XO for 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment where he deployed to Multinational Forces and Observers mission in Sinai, Egypt.  Upon redeployment, Col. Soyka transitioned to become the S3, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment leading the planning for five multinational exercises across ten countries.

Following his key and developmental time, he was selected to attend the School of Advanced Military Studies at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.  In 2018, Col. Soyka graduated with a Master of Arts in Military Operations and was assigned to I Corps at JBLM as the lead Planner for Pacific Pathways in the INDOPACOM AOR.  He was then assigned to the 1st Armored Division G4 Operations section prior to assuming Command of 1-77AR in June 2020 and going forward to the Republic of Korea on the Regionally Aligned Force mission. 

After command, Col. Soyka served as the Executive Officer to the Combined Arms Center Commanding General and attended the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies War College Program through the School of Advanced Military Studies earning a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies.  His previous position was as the 1st Armored Division Home Station Mission Command Chief of Staff.

Col. Soyka’s awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, and Army Achievement Medals.

Aurora Castañeda assumed the position of Deputy Garrison Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Bliss, Texas, in July 2022. However, she is no stranger to Fort Bliss and the surrounding El Paso community. Upon graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso, she began her civil service career at Fort Bliss, serving for 17 years before applying and selection to attend the Defense Comptroller Program where she earned two master’s degrees from Syracuse University. Her follow-on assignment was to G8, Installation Management Command Headquarters, Crystal City, Virginia.

Ms. Castañeda embraces the ongoing learning from many leaders and team-mates, as well as her varied experiences at both the Garrison and HQ echelons. She has been a Resource Manager throughout her career, starting as a HQ Department of the Army Intern assigned to Fort Bliss and culminating as the IMCOM Deputy G8, where she managed resources that spanned across all IMCOM echelons, missions, and core competencies. She brings that experience to her new role as the Deputy Garrison Commander empowering staff to deliver base services that enable mission readiness and enhance the quality of life for our Soldiers, Families, and Civilians.

Her awards and decorations are commensurate with her time and service, to include recently receiving the Superior Civilian Service Medal for contributions made as the Deputy G8, IMCOM HQ.

Command Sergeant Major Robert M. Theus enlisted in the Army in September 2002.  He attended Basic Combat Training in Fort Benning, Georgia.  Upon completing Basic Combat Training, he attended Advanced Individual Training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  CSM Theus has served in numerous duty positions to include RTO, FO, COLT, BN Targeting NCO, BN Fire Support Sergeant, BDE Targeting NCO, BDE Fire Support Sergeant, BCD Fire Support Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, 13Z Career Management NCO, Chief of Analysis and Doctrine, and Battalion Command Sergeant Major.  

His assignments include tours of duty with the 1st BN, 501 PIR, Fort Richardson, Alaska; HHC, 4th BDE, 25th ID, Fort Richardson; 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; 1st BN, 40th FA, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; the NCOLCoE, Fort Bliss, Texas; and 2nd BN, 305TH FA, Camp Shelby, Mississippi.  He has served five tours in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

CSM Theus’ military service schools and civilian education include Fire Support Specialist Course, Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Joint Fires Observer Course, Joint Firepower Control Course, Precision Fires Course, Battle Staff Course, Senior Leaders Course, Drill Sergeant Course, the Company Commander and First Sergeant Course, the Common Faculty Development-Instructor Course, the Sergeants Major Resident Course (Class 71), the Pre-Command Course, and the Senior Officer Legal Orientation Course.  He holds an associate degree in Military History from American Military University, a bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Workforce Development from the Army Command and General Staff College, and a master’s degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso.  

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, NCOPD Medal (Numeral 5), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award), Valorous Unit Award (1 OLC), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 Combat Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Combat Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal (2nd Award).  His special skill badges include the Parachutist Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Drill Sergeant Badge.