Former 109th Airlift Wing Commander promoted to Brigadier General at Stratton Air Base on Friday, August 6

Related Media

Michele Kilgore

SCOTIA, N.Y. (08/04/2021) (readMedia)-- Col. Michele Kilgore, who commanded the 109th Airlift Wing from 2017 to the end of 2020, will be promoted to brigadier general (one-star) during a ceremony on Friday, morning August 6, 2021 at Stratton Air National Guard Base.

Media are invited to cover the event.

WHO: Air National Guard Col. Michele Kilgore receives the rank of brigadier general from Maj. Gen. Timothy LaBarge, commander of the New York Air National Guard. Members of her family, who live in the Clifton Park area, will be present for the event.

WHAT: Promotion ceremony for the former wing commander.

WHEN: Friday, August 6 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, N.Y.

Media Opportunity: Imagery of the promotion ceremony for Michele Kilgore, pinning her rank of one-star general on her uniform. Interviews with the Kilgore family.

For media access to this secure facility, please contact Senior Master Sgt. Willie Gizara, 518-248-3799 prior to 4 p.m. on THURSDAY, August 5.

Background

Col. Michele Kilgore currently serves as the Deputy Chief, Homeland Division, Western Hemisphere Directorate, in the Joint Plans and Policy office in the Pentagon. This office helps to develop and execute the nation's militry strategy.

In her role, she works closely with the National Security Council, Department of State, Department of Defense, and the Combatant Commands to provide policy recommendations to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Prior to her current role, she served as the 109th Airlift Wing Commander for three years where she was responsible for the ski-equipped LC-130Hs that support operations on unprepared ice and snow surfaces in the Polar Regions for the National Science Foundation.

Kilgore is a 1992 graduate of the Air Force Academy who inittially trained as a fighter pilot and has flown more than 3,900 hours in six different aircraft. She commanded an MQ-9 unit at the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse prior to taking command of the 109th Airlift Wing.

Kilgore has deployed to combat seven times during her career in both the Active Air Force and the Air National Guard and has served around the world.

The ceremony will be attended by her husband Brig. Gen. Robert Kilgore, who serves as Chief of Staff of the New York Air National Guard, and her daughters.

Kilgore's awards include the Aerial Achievement medal, Antarctic Service medal, Air Force Achievement medal, Air Force Commendation medal, and Navy Achievement medal.