Photo By Master Sgt. Luke Olson | U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Reisch, left, presided over the ceremony where U.S. Air...... read more read more
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SIOUX FALLS - Brig. Gen. Russ A. Walz assumed duties as Assistant Adjutant General for Air, South Dakota National Guard, during a transfer of authority ceremony June 3, 2018, Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, S.D.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Reisch presided over the ceremony where U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russ A. Walz assumed authority as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, South Dakota National Guard from out-going U.S. Brig. Gen. Joel E. DeGroot. DeGroot will now be the Chief of Staff, Headquarters, South Dakota Air National Guard.
Prior to taking on the role as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Walz served as Director of Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, South Dakota National Guard and South Dakota Air National Guard Chief of Staff. He primarily served as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on all joint issues and policies relating to the Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Defense programs.
Brig. Gen. Walz enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard in 1980. He later commissioned at the Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1989, earning distinguished graduate honors. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Walz assumed the position of Director Joint Staff, in May 2016 having held previous command positions at the flight, squadron, group and wing levels. He is a command pilot with over 3,700 total fighter hours, including 70 combat hours enforcing no fly zones over Southern and Northern Iraq.
As the new Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Walz will be responsible to the Adjutant General for strategic planning, strength management, Airmen readiness and mobilization support of the state's over 1000 Air National Guard Airmen.
Brig. Gen. Walz is replacing outgoing Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Brig. Gen. Joel E. DeGroot, who served in the position since March 2017. DeGroot previously served as the 114th Maintenance Group Commander, 114th Maintenance Group Deputy Commander, 114th Maintenance Squadron Commander, and as an enlisted Airman.
General Reisch commented on DeGroot’s time as Assistant Adjutant General for Air.
“He has done a fantastic job over the last year.” said Reisch, “He stepped into leadership right away.”
Reisch also commented on how DeGroot stepped up as a committee leader for the JDEC (Joint Diversity Executive Committee) nationally, which he stated was an amazing achievement for a new General. Moving forward, DeGroot will serve as the Chief of Staff for the South Dakota Air National Guard.
Reisch concluded his remarks about DeGroot.
“Even as chief of staff, I know you will take that to another level.” said Reisch.
Maj. Gen. Reisch then commented on Walz’s leadership by saying, “He’s the type of guy people like to work with and work for.”
After the transfer of authority, Walz addressed members of the 114th as their new Assistant Adjutant General for Air.
“It’s truly an honor to be representing this unit in the new capacity as the assistant adjutant general and it’s a big honor to represent the state of South Dakota.” He continued by saying, “It’s an honor and blessing to represent the 1093 men and women who are unbelievable professionals.”
Brig. Gen. Walz concluded by stating, “I look forward to seeing Airmen in action doing amazing things and being here from the headquarters perspective to help you push your mission.”
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2018 10:10 |
| Story ID: | 279944 |
| Location: | SIOUX FALLS, SD, US |
| Web Views: | 120 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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