ALBANY (WENY) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced The First Female officer to head the New York Air National Guard.
Brigadier General Denise Donnell, a Clifton Park resident, is taking over duties as the commander of the 5,900-member New York Air National Guard,
Donnell follows Major General Timothy LaBarge, a Tupper Lake resident, who is retiring after leading the New York Air National Guard since 2018. The change of command ceremony took place this afternoon at 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. 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.” Hochul said.
Brigadier General Denise Donnell, served in the United States Navy from 1993 to 2002, is a command pilot with over 4,400 hours of flying time, including 280 hours in combat.
“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.” Brigadier General Denise Donnell said.
Donnell is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Foreign Service. She is also a graduate of the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, and a Distinguished Graduate with a Master of Science degree in Government Information Leadership from the National Defense University.
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