Dunbar to remain state's top military officer

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Governor Scott Walker announced today the reappointment of Major General Donald Dunbar as the adjutant general of Wisconsin.

 "Major General Dunbar has demonstrated over the past five years that he is a proven leader," said Governor Walker, who is the commander-in-chief of the Wisconsin National Guard. "I know he will effectively lead the Wisconsin National Guard through the challenges of the future."

Dunbar became the state's 30th Adjutant General on Aug. 3, 2007, when he assumed command of the 10,000-member Wisconsin National Guard from Major General Al Wilkening. As Adjutant General, Dunbar oversees the state's Emergency Management division, chairs the Governor's Homeland Security Council, and is the governor's Homeland Security Advisor. He also serves as the vice-chair on FEMA's National Advisory Council.

"I am honored and humbled to be reappointed as Wisconsin's Adjutant General and I am grateful to Governor Walker for his leadership and confidence," Dunbar said, " I am also grateful to my wife, Colleen, for her love, friendship and support of a career with many demands.

"It is my distinct privilege to continue in this capacity and serve with the outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard and the exceptional civilian professionals at Wisconsin Emergency Management and within the Department of Military Affairs," Dunbar continued. "I am very proud to lead them and pledge to do my very best to be worthy of their service and this reappointment."

Dunbar began his military career in 1983 and completed pilot training in 1985. He has served as KC-135 functional manager at the National Guard Bureau, staff member for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, executive officer to the director of the Air National Guard, and commander of the 141st Operations Group.

In 2005, he became commander of the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. There he commanded more than 900 Airmen and was responsible for maintaining worldwide unit readiness.

Dunbar has volunteered for and deployed on contingency missions including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Northern Watch. He commanded the 385th Expeditionary Operations Group in 2004 and 2005, supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom with C-17 and KC-135 operations.

As adjutant general, Dunbar has mobilized more than 6,000 Soldiers and Airmen for combat operations and led the state through five declared Stafford Act emergencies.

Dunbar is a Drexel Hill, Penn., native. He and his wife, Colleen, currently reside in New Berlin, Wis.