<big>Hensel to be Promoted to General as Palmer Retires; Walton also Set to Retire</big>

FARGO, N.D. - A shift in senior leadership for the <a href="http://www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil">North Dakota National Guard</a> will take place Saturday. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Alan Palmer will retire during an afternoon ceremony during which he will transfer command to Col. Cecil (Bud) Hensel Jr., who also will be promoted to brigadier general during the ceremony. Additionally, Army National Guard Col. Robert Walton will retire from the Guard during a ceremony that morning.

<u>AIR NATIONAL GUARD LEADERSHIP</u>

The Happy Hooligans will say goodbye to one leader as they welcome and promote another during a Change of Command, Retirement and Promotion Ceremony at the 119th Wing at 2 p.m.

Palmer, of Grand Forks, N.D., will officially retire from the North Dakota Air National Guard during the retirement portion of the ceremony. Palmer has served as the chief of staff of the North Dakota Air National Guard since 2006.

Palmer began his military career when he enlisted into the Air Force in 1972. After serving as an electronic warfare specialist in several assignments, including a tour in Thailand, he joined the N.D. Air National Guard in 1981. During his N.D. Air National Guard career, he has held command positions in the Supply Squadron, Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Squadron and the Support Group of the 119th Wing.

Hensel, of Frazee, Minn., will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general and will replace Palmer as the new chief of staff for the Air National Guard during the promotion and change of command portion of the ceremony. Since 2007, Hensel has served as the state director of operations for the North Dakota National Guard as well as the director of operations and training.

Hensel began his military career as an ROTC graduate from North Dakota State University in 1981. He served as a pilot in the Air Force for 12 years before joining the North Dakota Air National Guard as an F-16 fighter pilot in 1993. Since 2005, he has served in several positions at Joint Force Headquarters in Bismarck, N.D.: assistant director of training, director of operations for air, the vice chief of joint staff for support and the director of staff for air prior to his current position.

"This will be a special day for us. Not only will we celebrate the end of a distinguished military career for Brig. Gen. Palmer, but more importantly, we will honor him for 38 years of military service. His dedication to this great country is something that should be appreciated," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "This will also be an exciting day to welcome and promote Col. Hensel. His dedication and leadership will continue to move us ahead as he begins his new position as the chief of staff for Air."

North Dakota National Guard members, family and friends will attend the ceremony that will honor both Palmer and Hensel. In addition, the North Dakota National Guard's 188th Army Band and the Patriot Guard will be at the ceremony.

<u>ARMY NATIONAL GUARD LEADERSHIP</u>

Also on Saturday, the North Dakota Army National Guard will honor a retiring officer. Walton, of Fargo, will retire during an 8 a.m. ceremony at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center. He has served 30 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard, most recently as commander of the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Walton assumed command of the Brigade in 2008 after having deployed to Iraq in 2007, during which time he worked in Baghdad with North Dakota's former 34th Infantry Division Engineer Brigade. While deployed, he served in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the Gulf Region Division deputy chief of staff for security, intelligence, plans and operations. The mission combined his engineer training and skills earned and developed both in and out of the military.

Walton earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University in 1980 and a master's degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1994. He completed the ROTC program at NDSU in 1980 and was commissioned as an engineer officer in the North Dakota National Guard. Outside of the Guard, he is the Fargo district engineer for the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Walton, a registered civil engineer, is responsible for southeastern North Dakota's interstates and highways.

"Col. Walton has provided an outstanding level of leadership, both in and out of the North Dakota National Guard, for 30 years," Sprynczynatyk said. "His engineering experience has greatly benefitted our Guard, our state and our country, and his leadership abilities have greatly contributed to the success of the North Dakota National Guard as a whole."

Media are invited to attend both of these events. Please see the coordinating instructions below.

WHO: Brig. Gen. Alan Palmer and Col. Cecil (Bud) Hensel Jr.

WHAT: Change of Command, Retirement and Promotion Ceremony

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1

WHERE: 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard, 1400 32nd Ave. N., Fargo, N.D.

COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS: Meet Penny Ripperger at the front gate at 1:40 p.m. to be escorted onto base.

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WHO: Col. Robert Walton

WHAT: Retirement Ceremony

WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 1

WHERE: Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center, 3920 31st St. N.W., Fargo, N.D.

COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS: No pre-coordination required. Amy Wieser Willson will be on site to assist media.

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Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about 800 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, sufficient forces remain in the state for emergency response and homeland defense.

<u><big>BIOGRAPHIES</u></big>

<u>BRIG. GEN. ALAN PALMER</u>

<Photo 1>Brigadier General Alan W. Palmer is the chief of staff, North Dakota Air National Guard, Fargo, N.D. As the chief of staff, he formulates plans and establishes policies for the North Dakota Air National Guard and the 119th Fighter Wing, consisting of 1,000 personnel and 15 fighter aircraft. He coordinates staff activities pertaining to administration, operations, maintenance, and resources to assure accomplishment of state and unit missions. Additional responsibilities include maintaining liaison with organizational commanders to ensure adequate support of all functions, implementing directives and operational orders from higher headquarters, and evaluating effectiveness of training programs and availability and readiness of flight crews.

Palmer began his military career with U.S. Air Force enlisted service beginning in 1972. After serving as an Electronic Warfare Specialist in several assignments including a tour in Thailand, he joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in 1981. He served as a Maintenance Officer and Supervisor prior to serving in several command positions. Commands included the 119th Supply Squadron, 119th Maintenance Squadron, 119th Logistics Squadron, and the 119th Support Group. General Palmer served as the State J-5 in Joint Force Headquarters during the transition from an Air National Guard State Headquarters to the current Joint Force Headquarters.

EDUCATION

1984 Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies, minor in Geography, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks North Dakota

1992 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence

1997 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence

2000 Air War College, by correspondence

ASSIGNMENTS

1. May 1985 - April 1989, aircraft maintenance officer, 119th Maintenance Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

2. April 1989 - April 1991, avionics maintenance officer, 119th Maintenance Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

3. April 1991 - May 1995, organizational maintenance officer, 119th Maintenance Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

4. May 1995 - May 1996, chief of supply, 119th Logistics Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

5. May 1996 - May 1997, commander, 119th Logistics Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

6. May 1997 - December 1998, commander, 119th Maintenance Squadron, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

7. December 1998 - December 1999, commander, 119th Logistics Group, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

8. December 1999 - October 2001, commander, 119th Support Group, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

9. October 2001 - October 2003, executive officer, Headquarters, North Dakota Air National Guard, Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D.

10. October 2003 - March 2006, executive officer/J-5, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota National Guard, Bismarck, N.D.

11. March 2006 - chief of staff, North Dakota Air National Guard, Hector Field, Fargo, N.D.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal with one device

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six devices

Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one device

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with one device

National Defense Service Medal with two devices

Humanitarian Service Medal

Air Force Overseas Ribbon (short)

Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six devices

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one device

Air Force Training Ribbon with one device

North Dakota State Achievement Ribbon

North Dakota ANG OCONUS Ribbon

North Dakota ANG Recruiting Ribbon

North Dakota National Guard Service Ribbon with two devices

North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon

CIVILIAN OCCUPATION

Director of Flight Operations, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

Honor Graduate Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, August 1986

Airline Transport Pilot, over 9,200 flight hours

Designated Pilot Examiner

North Dakota Pilots Association, founding member

USAF Association, member since 1975

Reserve Office Association, Grand Forks chapter president since 1985

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTIONS:

Second Lieutenant: May 30, 1985

First Lieutenant: June 6, 1987

Captain: July 15, 1989

Major: January 8, 1994

Lieutenant Colonel: July 12, 1998

Colonel: May 8, 2002

Brigadier General: May 3, 2006

<u>COL. CECIL J. HENSEL JR. </u>

<Photo 2>

Col. Cecil J. "Bud" Hensel Jr. is the state director of operations for Air as well as the J-3/7 director of operations and training for the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, North Dakota. He, as a senior Air National Guard representative in the Joint Force Headquarters, plans and establishing policies for unit administration, operation, training, employment, maintenance, supply and safety throughout North Dakota. He is also responsible for assisting with the implementation of directives from the National Guard Bureau.

Hensel was born in Wallace, Idaho. He earned his commission as a graduate of North Dakota State University ROTC program in 1981. He spent 12 years on active duty serving as a weapons system operator, pilot, instructor and evaluator. Prior to assuming his current position, he was the Assistant Director for Training (J7)/Director of Operations for Air, Joint Force Headquarters. He has previously served as Operation Support Flight commander for the 119 Fighter Wing, flight commander, chief of wing standards and evaluations, instructor pilot and supervisor of flying for the 178 FS. He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours, primarily in fighter aircraft.

EDUCATION

1981 Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

1986 Squadron Officers School, correspondence, Maxwell AFB, AL

1996 Air Command and Staff College, correspondence, Maxwell AFB, AL

2005 Air War College, correspondence, Maxwell AFB, AL

2007 Joint Professional Military Education Phase II, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk Naval Base, VA

ASSIGNMENTS

1. October 1981 - May 1982, student navigator, 452nd Flying Training Squadron, Mather AFB, CA

2. May 1982 - July 1982, student tactical navigator, 455th Flying Training Squadron, Mather AFB, CA

3. July 1982 - February 1983, student electronic warfare, 453rd Flying Training Squadron, Mather AFB, CA

4. February 1983 - September 1983, F-111 upgrade training, 389th Tactical Training Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, ID

5. September 1983 - October 1985, F-111 weapons systems officer, 55th Tactical Fighter Squadron,

RAF Upper Heyford, UK

6. October 1985 - November 1986, student pilot, 47th Student Squadron, Laughlin AFB, TX

7. November 1986 - 1987, tactical pilot upgrade, 433rd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, Holloman

AFB, NM

8. 1987 - August 1987, F- 15 upgrade training, 461st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, Luke AFB, AZ

9.August 1987 - February 1990, F-15 pilot, chief of squadron programming and wing programming officer, 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, Holloman AFB, NM

10. February 1990 - May 1990, instructor pilot training, 88 Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX

11. May 1990 - September 1992, T-38 instructor, flight commander, supervisor of flying, 90th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX

12. September 1992 - June 1993, T-38 branch chief of standards and evaluations, 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard AFB, TX

13. June 1993 - August 1993, F-16 upgrade training, Tactical Fighter Squadron, Kingsley Field,

Klamath Falls, OR

14. August 1993 - April 2005, F-16 pilot, flight commander, instructor, weapons officer and 119th FW operation support flight commander, 178th Fighter Squadron, 119th Fighter Wing, Hector IAP, Fargo, ND

15. January 2004 - June 2004, temporary duty, action officer, XPX, Future Total Force, Pentagon, Arlington, VA

16. April 2005 - May 2007, assistant director for training (J7)/director of operations for air, Joint Force Headquarters North Dakota, Bismarck, ND

17. January 2006 - June 2006, temporary duty, action officer, A8FD, Total Force Integration, Pentagon, Arlington, VA

18. May 2007 - December 2007, vice chief of joint staff for support, Joint Force Headquarters North Dakota, Bismarck, ND

19. December 2007 - present, assistant director for training (J7)/director of operations for air, Joint Force Headquarters North Dakota, Bismarck, ND

FLIGHT INFORMATIONM

Rating: Command Pilot

Flight hours: More than 4000

Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38, T-43, F-15, F-16, F-111

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Meritorious Service Medal

Aerial Achievement Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters

Combat Readiness Medal with seven oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal with star

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hour glass and M device

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Second Lieutenant: July 30, 1981

First Lieutenant: July 30, 1983

Captain: July 30, 1983

Major: September 01, 1994

Lieutenant Colonel: February 07, 1999

Colonel: April 27, 2006

CIVILIAN

October 1995 - Present, pilot/flight engineer, United Airlines, O'Hare IAP, Chicago, IL

Flight Hours: More than 4,000

PERSONAL

Lives in Frazee, Minn., with his wife, Sharon. They have four children: Capt. Jonathon Hensel, of Omaha, Neb.; Melissa Hensel, of Fargo; Bryan Hensel, of Fargo; and Jennifer Hensel, of Moorhead, Minn.

<u>

COL. ROBERT R. WALTON</u>

<Photo 3>Col. Robert Walton was raised in Moorhead, Minn. After graduating from Moorhead High School, he attended North Dakota State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1980. In 1994, Walton earned a master's degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Walton received his commission as an officer upon completing the ROTC program at North Dakota State University in 1980, and he reported to his first command: Company D, 367th Engineer Battalion in Fargo, N.D., where he was assigned as a platoon leader. He spent his first 11 years of commissioned service in the Army Reserve in various units in Kansas and North Dakota. During this time, he held three detachment commands, as well as serving on a battalion staff as an assistant S-2/3.

Walton served as the S-2 (intelligence) and S-4 (logistics) officer while assigned to the Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment of the 231st Engineer Battalion in Bismarck, N.D. This was followed with an assignment as the engineering equipment officer for the 164th Engineering Group, also in Bismarck. In 1995, Walton served as the executive officer for the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion (Wheeled). In 1998, Walton became the S-3 (operations) officer for the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion (Wheeled) followed by the S-3 officer for the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) in Fargo, N.D. During this time, Walton completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

In 2000, Walton became the operations officer for the 164th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, N.D. The 164th RTI supports soldiers throughout the nation by providing many different military occupational specialty courses, particularly in the engineering field. In 2002, Walton became the battalion commander for the 2nd General Studies Battalion at the 164th Regional Training Institute.

Walton then became the battalion commander of 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) in Fargo in 2004. In 2006, Walton served as the executive officer for the Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, out of Bismarck, N.D., prior to transferring to be director of facilities for North Dakota's Joint Force Headquarters, also in 2006.

In 2007, Walton deployed with the Engineer Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, to Baghdad, Iraq, serving as the Gulf Region Division deputy chief of staff for security, intelligence, plans and operations, supporting the Army Corps of Engineers. Walton returned from Iraq in 2008 and became the commander of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Walton was awarded the Bronze Star while deployed in Iraq and has received the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal, numerous Army Commendation and Achievement Medals and a myriad of awards and decorations.

Walton and his wife, Patricia, live in Fargo, N.D., and have two children: Melanie and Andrew. In his civilian career, Walton is a registered civil engineer and works for the North Dakota Department of Transportation as the Fargo District Engineer responsible for the state's interstates and highways in the southeast part of North Dakota.