(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is congratulating Major General Francis J. Evon Jr., adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut National Guard, on his election to serve as president of the Adjutants General Association of the United States (AGAUS). The election took place during the organization’s summer conference in St. Augustine, Florida.
AGAUS is the nationwide organization representing senior National Guard leadership of all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia. As president, Major General Evon will help shape national-level strategies and advocate for key priorities that strengthen the National Guard’s ability to support both federal and state missions. He will play a leading role in addressing readiness, modernization, and resourcing needs, as well as preserving the Guard’s constitutional structure and state-based authority.
“Over the last several years, I have witnessed Major General Evon’s leadership capabilities as the head of the Connecticut National Guard, displaying the utmost level of professionalism and dependability,” Governor Lamont said. “It does not surprise me at all that other adjutant generals from states across the nation have chosen him to represent them as the head of this group. This is a proud moment for Connecticut, and I am glad to congratulate General Evon on being selected for this important responsibility.”
“Serving as president of AGAUS is an incredible honor and responsibility,” Major General Evon said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow adjutants general, as well as our partners in the National Guard Bureau, the National Governors Association, and key organizations such as NGAUS and EANGUS, to help shape the future of our force and ensure we remain an integral and trusted part of the Joint Force.”
As outlined in the 2025 Posture Statement of the 54, the National Guard’s dual-mission role continues to expand from overseas deployments and homeland defense to state emergency response and cyber defense. The Guard’s effectiveness depends on modern equipment, healthcare access, benefits parity, and maintaining its community-based structure rooted in the Constitution.
In his role as president, Major General Evon will:
- Chair and coordinate AGAUS meetings and guide the work of the executive director;
- Serve on the boards of directors for the National Guard Education Foundation and National Guard Insurance Trust;
- Participate in strategic planning sessions and governance forums with the chief of the National Guard Bureau, the director of the Army National Guard, and the director of the Air National Guard;
- Represent AGAUS on the National Guard Associations’ Friday association call and serve as vice chair of the General Officer Advisory Council;
- Collaborate with the Strategic Engagement Committee and senior communications leaders to support the development of the National Guard’s annual Posture Statement; and
- Maintain open communication with the leadership of NGAUS, EANGUS, and intergovernmental affairs officials.
Major General Evon brings more than 30 years of military service to the role, with extensive experience in both state and national leadership positions. His appointment underscores a career dedicated to preserving the Guard’s operational effectiveness, supporting its members, and ensuring the National Guard continues to serve as an essential component of the Joint Force.
The National Guard is a dual-mission force that serves both state and federal roles, supporting overseas combat operations and responding to emergencies at home. The Connecticut National Guard, known as Connecticut’s Home Team, provides trained and ready soldiers and airmen who stand “Always Ready, Always There” to defend the U.S. and support its communities.