Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Paul will serve as the full-time Illinois Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air.

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard, has appointed Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Paul of Springfield, Illinois, to serve as the full-time Assistant Adjutant General - Air upon the retirement of Maj. Gen. William Cobetto of Hillsboro, Illinois.

Brig. Gen. Paul is currently deployed overseas in support of United States Southern Command.  Upon his return, he will be the full-time Commander of the approximately 3,000 Airmen of the Illinois Air National Guard serving under Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, who commands both the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard.

"For 27 years Ron Paul has led Airmen at home and during contingency operations around the globe," Governor Rauner said. "He has clearly demonstrated his ability to lead and build partnerships across agency lines. He is a combat veteran who has the confidence and trust of his Airmen, his peers and those appointed over him."

Paul graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs.  He served in the U.S. Air Force in various operational units including in Europe, Tactical Air Command/Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and Pacific Air Forces.  He transitioned into the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing in 2001.

"Brigadier General Paul is the right officer to lead the Illinois Air National Guard as it continues to go from strong to stronger. He has proven his ability to lead and provide the strategic direction for the Illinois Air National Guard as it continuously prepares for both our state and federal missions. I am grateful to have Ron serve alongside me," Hayes said.

Paul has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Provide Comfort, and Deny Flight.  He was also the senior U.S. Military officer in charge of the initial F-16 aircraft maintenance training in Poland.

Maj. Gen. Cobetto, who has served admirably as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air since December 2011, will retire this fall after more than 30 years of service.

"For three decades, Major General Cobetto has dedicated his life to the Airmen of Illinois Air National Guard and to serving the citizens of Illinois," said Rauner.  "On behalf of all Illinoisans, we extend our deepest appreciation to Major General Cobetto for his service and we wish him abundant success in his future endeavors."

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/04/2015)(readMedia)-- LIVING HISTORIANS EXPLAIN ILLINOIS SERVICE DURING 1916 BORDER CAMPAIGN

WHO:

• Illinois State Military Museum Living History Detachment

• Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society

• Illinois State Military Museum

WHAT:

Military Museum Living Historians will display equipment, uniforms and weapons used by more than 10,000 Illinois National Guard Soldiers in the 1916 Border Campaign and discuss the military operation. Illinois troops were deployed to secure the border while Major General John Pershing conducted the year-long campaign into Mexico to pursue Pancho Villa. The Mexican revolutionary had raided Columbus, N.M., killing eight Soldiers and 10 civilians and wounding six Soldiers and two civilians. The 1916 expedition was the first time the Army used airplanes, motorcycles and trucks and served as a dress rehearsal for the mobilization of U.S. forces for World War I.

WHEN:

• 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sept. 12, 2015

WHERE:

• Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, Ill., 62702, two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and North Grand Ave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Admission and parking are free.

For additional information, please contact the Illinois State Military Museum at 217-761-3910.

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Commander-in-Chief Pins Second Star on Hayes and Appoints ISP Colonel to lead Army National Guard

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard, promoted Illinois Adjutant General, Richard J. Hayes Jr., to major general today, Aug. 24, and announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Michael Zerbonia as the Illinois National Guard's Assistant Adjutant General - Army.

Rauner selected Hayes as the Adjutant General and for his second star in May based on Hayes' extensive military and civilian background. His eligibility for promotion was set in motion over a year ago through the Department of the Army and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate earlier this month.

"It is a great honor to serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard and to promote our state's top military officer.  Major General Hayes has the right combination of leadership and expertise to prepare the Illinois National Guard to tackle major emergencies both here in Illinois and overseas," Gov. Rauner said. "His experience commanding a battalion during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, a brigade maneuver task force with NATO in Kosovo, and with his 27 years as a leader in the civilian engineering and construction sector illustrates why Richard Hayes epitomizes the true meaning a Citizen-Soldier."

Hayes' promotion coincides with the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States, striking U.S. soil Aug. 29, 2005. Hayes led a battalion-sized relief task force in New Orleans. Many of the lessons Hayes and other leaders learned from Hurricane Katrina are being practiced this week, Aug. 24 to Aug. 28, during the simulated 7.7 magnitude earthquake Prairie Assurance exercise in Springfield. The exercise is being conducted with participation agencies from the State of Illinois, non-governmental organizations, National Guard Bureau, and US Northern Command.

"During my career I never concerned myself with becoming a general, never mind earning a second star," Hayes said. "I simply focused on excelling at every assignment I was given, sought to continually improve myself, and set a good example for my troops. I am humbled by this promotion and the opportunity to serve as the Illinois Adjutant General. I recognize the great responsibility bestowed on me and I will apply all of my talents to effectively lead the dedicated Soldiers and Airmen of the Illinois National Guard as we serve the Citizens of Illinois and our Nation."

Brig. Gen. Zerbonia will serve as the full-time Assistant Adjutant General - Army after a long and distinguished career with the Illinois State Police.

Zerbonia was serving as the Illinois National Guard's Land Forces Component Commander, a traditional National Guard position, while serving fulltime with the Illinois State Police as the Colonel of Operations. He will leave the State Police after 28 years to become the full-time Commander of the 10,000 Soldiers of the Illinois Army National Guard serving under Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, who commands both the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard.

"For decades Mike Zerbonia has been a great leader and public servant with both the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois State Police," Governor Rauner said. "He has clearly demonstrated his ability to lead troops and build partnerships across state and federal agencies. He is a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan with more than 30 years of military experience who has the confidence and trust of his Soldiers. "

Governor Rauner selected Brig. Gen. Zerbonia on a recommendation from Maj. Gen. Hayes. "Brig. Gen. Zerbonia is the right officer to lead the Illinois Army National Guard as it continues to go from strong to stronger. He has proven his ability to lead and provide the strategic direction for the Illinois Army National Guard preparing for both our state and federal missions. I know that he loves serving as an Illinois State Police trooper and know it was a difficult personal and professional decision to leave the ISP to work at Illinois National Guard headquarters full-time. I am grateful to have Mike Zerbonia serve alongside me. ," Maj. Gen. Hayes said.

Brig. Gen. Zerbonia said taking off his Illinois State Police uniform is difficult, but he was honored to be asked to serve as the Illinois National Guard's Assistant Adjutant General - Army.  "Commanding the Illinois Army National Guard is both a great opportunity and challenge. The Illinois Army National Guard has a no-fail contract with the citizens of Illinois and the United States. We have met many great challenges and succeeded, but we have many more ahead. It is a great privilege and honor to lead our great men and women who have willingly committed to helping our neighbors, protecting our state and defending our nation."

Brig. Gen. Zerbonia's last military assignment was as the Illinois Army National Guard's Land Forces Component Commander, a position he was appointed to in June 2013. He enlisted as a military policeman in the Missouri Army National Guard in 1983 and later commissioned as a second lieutenant May 9, 1986 after completing the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Northeast Missouri State University. In 1988, then Lieutenant Zerbonia transferred to the active Army as an air defense artillery officer. He later joined the Illinois National Guard in 1991 as the assistant air defense coordination officer with the 1st Battalion, 202nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

Brig. Gen. Zerbonia has served in many critical roles at all levels of command and staff in his career. He has served as a battery commander, commander of the 1st Battalion, 202nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, team chief of the 244th Army Liaison Team, commander of the 108th Sustainment Brigade and commander of the Bilateral Embedded Support Team (BEST) A10.

General Zerbonia supported military operations in Poland, Turkey and Germany. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2005 to June 2006 and to Afghanistan from September 2012 to June 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

CHATHAM, IL (08/13/2015)(readMedia)-- The gymnasium at Glenwood High School in Chatham, Illinois was the backdrop for a ceremony filled with tradition as the Illinois National Guard bid farewell to the outgoing Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois and welcomed the new Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, Jr., of Chatham, Illinois August 9, 2015.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition which signifies the passing of a unit's colors and the transfer of command authority from one commander to another. The ceremony also pays homage to the outgoing commander while, at the same time, demonstrates loyalty to the incoming commander.

Soldiers and Airmen, friends, family, and distinguished guests joined to participate in the event. Among the distinguished guests was Illinois' Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti who presided over the event.

Sanguinetti bid a fond farewell to Krumrei.

"General Krumrei has devoted his life, his energy, his faith, and his force of courage and distinguished leadership to our military, our state, and our country," said Sanguinetti. "As lieutenant governor of the state of Illinois, I say thank you, gracias. Illinois is forever grateful to you and your family for your service and sacrifice."

Sanguinetti went on to welcome Hayes into his new position as Adjutant General.

"From a personal standpoint, I noticed right from the get-go his incredible humility and, at the same time, his immense leadership skills," she said. "Due to his strategic vision, his vast strategic knowledge, and proven judgement, Governor Rauner and I are confident General Hayes is the right person in command at a time of change and challenge in the state."

Following the lieutenant governor, Krumrei thanked everyone who he said gave him opportunities to succeed in his career.

"I thank all off the general officers, the staff, the commanders, the NCOs, the Soldiers, and the Airmen for all of your support over these many years," said Krumrei.

Krumrei also thanked Hayes' mother for raising the "the right man" for the job.

"He's a good boy," said Krumrei. "You done good; and as my first act as a retired adjutant general, on behalf of the Illinois National Guard, I would like to give you my coin. Thank you."

Following his speech, Krumrei, Hayes, Sanguinetti, Illinois' Land Component Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois and Illinois' Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. John Jordan conducted the passing of the colors.

After receiving the colors, Hayes addressed the attendees.

"Humbled and honored beyond all belief I guess that's how I would categorize this," said Hayes. "I couldn't be here without all of you here, and all of the Soldiers, Airmen, NCOs, and officers that have supported me."

Hayes said his vision for the Illinois National Guard to be a relevant, integrated, community-based joint force; always ready and always there to protect our state, defend our homeland, and fight our nation's wars when called upon.

Hayes also took a unique opportunity to present his challenge coin to Krumrei as a symbol of gratitude.

"This rarely happens in the military, where you actually get to coin your boss," said Hayes. "I haven't ever been able to coin a two-star, so I'm going to take advantage of it today. Thank you for your service to the state and to the Guard, general Krumrei."