Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the promotion of Dennis Donnell, the first woman to command the New York Air National Guard, to the rank of two-star Major General. Major General Donnell was the first woman in the New York Air National Guard to command one of her five flying wings, and she was one of only five women in the New York National Guard to achieve the rank of Major General. One person. At a ceremony this afternoon at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, Maj. Fixed by technical sergeant. John Donnell. Governor Hochul appointed Maj. Gen. Donnell as commander of her 5,800 airmen in the country’s largest air security force in April 2022.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Maj. Gen. Donnell’s historic achievements and her continued dedication to our state.” Governor Hochul said. “New York has individuals like Major General Donnell who are willing to dedicate their careers to public service, answer calls, help fellow New Yorkers, and risk themselves to serve their country. I am very lucky to have
“We are proud to be honored for the historic achievement of the promotion of Maj. Gen. Dennis Donnell.” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said: “Major General Donnell has responded admirably to the call to serve and has served the people of New York and our country steadfastly. increase.”
Under the command of Maj. Gen. Donnell, the New York Air National Guard responds when disaster strikes in New York State and performs critical missions abroad. Members of the Air National Guard’s 107th Attack Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve Base, were among the first members of the military to respond to the deadly blizzard that hit Buffalo over the Christmas holidays. A man and woman from the 107th rescued a motorist stranded in a whiteout, transported a critically ill patient, and one member gave birth to a baby girl, transporting the mother and baby to the hospital.
The 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base, flies the LC-130 and is the only force in the world with ski-equipped heavy lift aircraft. These aircraft can land on snow and ice and support the country’s Arctic strategy and the important climate research being conducted in Antarctica by the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. Other New York Air Force units fly needed supplies around the world, fly remotely controlled aircraft on combat air patrols to protect U.S. and allied forces, track aircraft in domestic skies as part of NORAD, and monitor aircraft at sea. ready to help. New York was also the first state to have women in the National Guard. World War II veteran and nurse Norma Parsons served in 1956 at the 106th Tactical Hospital.
Major General Donnell said: “It is an honor to be recognized by Governor Hochul, the first woman to lead our state. These stars are not about me. It’s meant to bring… a reflection of their collective achievements.”
New York Deputy Attorney General Raymond Shields said: “Dennis Donnell was an outstanding leader, an experienced pilot, and outstanding at every level of command. I am confident she will continue to meet the challenges. She deserves this important promotion.”
Rear Admiral Donnell began his military career in 1993 as a U.S. Navy aviator, flying the P-3 Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft. She served in the Navy until 2002, joining the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing, based in the Newburgh-based Stewart Air National Guard, where she flew huge C-5A Galaxy airlift planes. I learned Rear Admiral Donnell then commanded the Aircraft Maintenance and Maintenance Squadron of the 105th Wing, and in 2013 she piloted the C-17 Globemaster III before transferring to the 109th Airlift Wing. Mastered.
She led the 109th Maintenance Group from 2013 to 2016. During that time, she qualified in her LC-130 Hercules aircraft with unique ski equipment flown by the 109th Airlift Wing and directed Air Force support to the National Science Foundation at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. bottom. During the 2014-2015 support season.
Rear Admiral Donnell was appointed Deputy Commander of the 105th Airlift Wing in 2016 and assumed command of the 105th Airlift Wing the following year. She maintained that role until March 2022, a month before she was appointed commander of the New York Air National Guard by Governor Hochul.
She graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in Diplomatic Services. Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base. National Defense College with a Master’s degree in Government Intelligence Leadership.
Rear Admiral Donnell has received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Commendation, and the Combat Readiness Medal. , Defense Service Medal, Military Expeditionary Medal, World War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Maritime Service Deployment Ribbon, and Military Reserve Medal.
She and her husband Greg live in Clifton Park with their children Alison and Max.
