Press Releases
06/26/2018
Gov. Malloy Appoints Brigadier General Francis J. Evon to Serve as Commander of the Connecticut National Guard
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is appointing United States Army National Guard Brigadier General Francis J. Evon, Jr. of Newington to serve as Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard. As a former Assistant Adjutant General of the Connecticut Army National Guard and Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Military Department, Brigadier General Evon comes with more than 30 years of military service and leadership experience.
He will succeed Major General Thaddeus J. Martin, the longest currently-tenured Adjutant General in the nation, who is retiring next week after serving in the military for more than 40 years. Major General Martin has led the Connecticut National Guard since May 1, 2005.
A change of command ceremony will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, July 7, at the William A. O’Neill State Armory in Hartford to commemorate the transformation in leadership.
“On behalf of the entire State of Connecticut, I extend my deepest appreciation to Major General Martin, who for the last 13 years led the Connecticut National Guard with diligence, valor, and dependability, and we are proud for all that he has given our state,” Governor Malloy said. “Whether it be an unexpected emergency situation at home or in a neighboring state, or the need to provide military support for overseas operations on behalf of our nation, Major General Martin’s guidance has been integral in the management of the Guard carrying out its duties. His leadership will be missed by many, and I truly appreciate everything he has provided for our state during his tenure. I also want to thank Brigadier General Evon for taking on this significant task of serving as commander of the Connecticut National Guard. For over 30 years, Brigadier General Evon has served our military with distinction. I am confident that as Adjutant General, he will utilize his skills to coordinate and support the Guard in its operations.”
“Major General Martin is an extraordinary public servant, a dedicated leader, and fully devoted to the men and women of the Connecticut National Guard and the people of Connecticut,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “He is, above all, a soldier. I want to thank him for his decades of military service to our state and the nation. We have been fortunate to have him at the helm preparing the next generation of leaders. I’m honored to call him friend and I wish him the very best in retirement. As Brigadier General Evon prepares to take the reins, he should know we have the highest confidence in his abilities. He is a man of integrity and will be a strong leader for the National Guard. I thank him for his friendship over the years and wish him the best in his new role.”
The Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard is responsible to the Governor and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau for providing operationally trained, equipped, and mission-ready forces to support both U.S. mobilization requirements and state emergency operations to include developing and coordinating counter-terrorism and domestic preparedness contingencies for the State of Connecticut.
“The Connecticut National Guard is well-positioned for the challenges of the future because of the men and women I have been proud to serve alongside,” Major General Martin said. “We are an organization designed around our most important asset – our 4,700 Guardsmen. I thank Governor Rell and Governor Malloy for providing me the opportunity to serve my nation and state in such a distinguished role, and have no doubt Brigadier General Evon will continue to push the limits of this organization to a level of excellence not yet seen.”
During his tenure in the leadership position, Major General Martin oversaw the deployment of over 6,000 Connecticut Army and Air Guardsmen as they played an integral part of the operational force in support of operations worldwide.
His leadership also saw the Connecticut National Guard support relief efforts throughout the United States and its territories. In the wake of major national disasters including Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, and Maria and Superstorm Sandy, the Connecticut National Guard mobilized and delivered much-needed personnel, equipment, and supplies to help ease the suffering of American citizens.
Early on, Major General Martin’s tenure was marked by challenges associated with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, affecting the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing’s flying mission. He was pivotal in orchestrating the transition from the A-10 Warthog to the C-130H Hercules tactical airlift platform in less than a decade, providing Connecticut with an enduring flying mission that recently marked its first-ever large-scale overseas deployment as a C-130 unit.
“I am humbled by the opportunity and eager to build upon the incredible legacy created by Major General Martin during his tenure,” Brigadier General Evon said. “The men and women of the Connecticut National Guard are our most important asset, and I will give my all to help our organization – and our people – realize its full potential embodying the National Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There.”
Brigadier General Evon began his military career in 1985 as an enlisted Anti-Tank Crewman in the Combat Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 102nd Infantry of the Connecticut Army National Guard. He was commissioned through the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 1989. Brigadier General Evon has held command leadership positions at the Company, Battalion, and Brigade levels. He served as Commander of the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2009 to November 2010.
Brigadier General Evon has earned numerous awards and decorations throughout his career, including the Legion of Merit award for his exceptionally meritorious conduct, the Bronze Star Medal for his service in a combat zone, and the National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. Brigadier General Evon has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Information for Media on Change of Command Ceremony
A change of command ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at the William A. O’Neill State Armory (360 Broad Street, Hartford). Members of the media are welcome to attend beginning at 1:30 p.m.
All members of the media planning to attend must RSVP in advance through the Connecticut National Guard’s Public Affairs Officer, Major Mike Petersen, at michael.t.petersen.mil@mail.mil , 860-524-4857 (desk), or 860-883-5336 (cell).
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Office of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman