Brigadier General Denise Donnell became the first woman to serve as commander of the New York Air National Guard, announced Governor Kathy Hochul on Saturday.
Donnell assumed command of the 5,900-member Guard from retiring Major General Timothy LaBarge, who led the New York Air National Guard since 2018. The change of command ceremony was held on the afternoon of Saturday, April 2 at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.
“This is a proud day in New York to recognize the achievements and leadership skills of a woman who has risen through the ranks to serve as a model of selflessness for all New Yorkers,” said Hochul, according to a press release. “The National Guard is made up of New York’s finest and is always there when crisis calls. I salute Brigadier General Donnell on this promotion and thank Major General LaBarge for his 39 years of service.”
Brigadier General Denise Donnell said, “It’s a tremendous honor to lead the 5,900 men and women of the New York Air National Guard. From COVID to Kabul, New York Airmen serve our state and nation at home and overseas every day. Major General Timothy LaBarge has set a high standard for our Air Guard and I look forward to building on the accomplishments of the last four years.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].