Illinois Air National Guard Commander Promoted to Major General

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/22/2016)(readMedia)-- Brig. Gen. Ron Paul, a native of Cudahy, Wisconsin now a resident of Springfield, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Illinois National Guard, was promoted to major general during a ceremony Dec. 21 at the 183rd Fighter Wing Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois.

Paul was joined by family, friends and colleagues who congratulated him.

Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, Jr., Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, congratulated Paul on reaching such a milestone in his career.

"I don't know if you all here realize it, but for Ron to reach this rank is a pretty big deal," said Hayes. "The approval process is a lengthy one, going all to way through the Senate. Only 99 officers in the entire Air Force are currently major generals."

Paul's wife, Joyce, daughter, Heidi, and son, Oscar, to pinned his new rank on. Following the pinning ceremony, Hayes administered the oath of office to Paul.

"Thank you all for your support," said Paul. "This promotion is as much yours as it is mine. I couldn't do the job that I do without you and your tireless dedication to mission accomplishment."

Paul said he feels lucky to be in the position that he's in and said he's very grateful for the opportunity given to him.

"I'm deeply honored to be promoted to major general," said Paul. "I just feel lucky to have the chance to lead the Illinois Air National Guard into the future."

Cutline 1: Maj. Gen. Ron Paul, a native of Cudahy, Wisconsin, now a resident of Springfield, Illinois the Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Illinois National Guard, is pinned with his new rank by his wife, Joyce and daughter, Heidi, during a promotion ceremony at the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, Illinois, Dec. 21. Paul is now one of 99 major generals across the Air Force. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 2: Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, Jr., Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, administers the oath of office to Maj. Gen. Ron Paul, a Cudahy, Wisconsin, native now resident of Springfield, Illinois, and Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Illinois National Guard. Paul was promoted to major general during a ceremony at the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, Illinois, Dec. 21. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 3: Maj. Gen. Ron Paul, a native of Cudahy, Wisconsin, now a resident of Springfield, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Illinois National Guard, addresses the many guests present during his promotion ceremony at the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, Illinois, Dec. 21. Paul said that his promotion is a shared accomplishment among those he has worked with during his career. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)