(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is reappointing Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr. to serve another four-year term as adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard. He has served in the role since his first term began in July 2018.
Major General Evon has more than 40 years of military and leadership experience. Prior to being appointed adjutant general, he was an assistant adjutant general of the Connecticut Army National Guard and deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Military Department.
“Throughout the time I have had the opportunity to work with Major General Evon, I’ve continued to be impressed by his steadfast leadership, dependability, and his ability to inspire others to excel,” Governor Lamont said. “Under his guidance, the Connecticut National Guard has remained committed to the residents of our state and our nation, always ready to accept the call to protect and serve at a moment’s notice, and always ready adapt to any challenge. On behalf of the people of Connecticut, I thank Major General Evon for his service to our state, and it is my honor to reappoint him to serve another term as adjutant general.”
“Our people remain at the heart of everything we do,” Major General Evon said. “The National Guard’s dual state and federal mission is a proud cornerstone of our state and nation. The Connecticut National Guard’s dual mission allows us to serve our communities here at home while remaining ready to answer the nation’s call. We appreciate Governor Lamont’s continued support in ensuring we train, retain, and strengthen Connecticut’s Home Team.”
The adjutant general 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 counterterrorism and domestic preparedness contingencies. The adjutant general implements policies, programs, and plans as the direct link to all state-assigned National Guard resources, providing information and evaluation, issue resolution, and action recommendations.
Major 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. He 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.
He 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. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Major General Evon is currently serving a term as president of the Adjutants General Association of the United States, a national organization representing the adjutants general of all 50 states, three territories, and District of Columbia, and working to advance priorities that strengthen National Guard readiness, modernization, facilities, and support to Soldiers, Airmen, and their families.