Wisconsin Army National Guard names new chief of staff

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Col. Kenneth Koon of Waunakee, a 28-year veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, was named chief of staff for that organization on Monday (Nov. 15).

In his new duty, Koon will serve as the chief advisor and principal assistant to the Assistant Adjutant General - Army, also the commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He will be responsible for directing, supervising, training and coordinating the staff, as well as assisting the assistant adjutant general - Army in deploying and coordinating programs, policies and plans affecting the more than 8,000 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

"Col. Koon, along with all the officers who interviewed for this critical assignment, presented the selection board with a difficult task as each officer brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the organization," said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. "We are very lucky to have such a deep bench of absolutely quality officers committed to excellence and Soldier well-being."

Koon replaces Col. Kevin Greenwood, who is retiring as chief of staff following 28 years in the military.

Koon recently completed a term as commander of the 426th Regional Training Institute at the Wisconsin National Guard's Military Academy at Fort McCoy, overseeing a dramatic expansion of field artillery and other military courses. He also recently served as director of manpower and personnel for the Wisconsin National Guard's joint staff.

Koon enlisted in the Army in 1977, and served as a military policeman at Fort Sill, Okla., and in Germany. After leaving the active duty, he joined the 84th Division of the Army Reserve and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1982. He began his career in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in May 1982 as a support platoon leader in the headquarters company of the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment. He continued to serve in command and staff assignments of increasing scope and responsibility with the 32nd Infantry Brigade, State Area Command and Joint Force Headquarters.

Koon deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007-08 as commander of Forward Operating Base Grizzly and Camp Ashraf, Iraq.

He is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8483, a member of American Legion Post 812, and a member of the 2-127th Infantry Association. He also holds life memberships in the National Guard Association of the United States, the Wisconsin National Guard Association and the 32nd Division Association.

Koon lives in Waunakee with his wife, Lt. Col. (retired) Luanne J. Sleger Koon, and twin sons Jacob and Jonah.