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Utah Guard's First Female General Officer selected to command Utah ANG

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jennifer Eaton
  • Utah Air National Guard JFHQ/PAO
SALT LAKE CITY --  Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, Utah National Guard Adjutant General, has selected Col. Christine Burckle, Joint Force Headquarters Director of Staff, to assume command of the Utah Air National Guard. Burckle will be formally promoted to Brigadier General as part of the official ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base.

With this new assignment, Burckle will become the Utah Air National Guard's highest-ranking official, as well as the state's first National Guard female general officer and the first woman to serve as Commander of the Utah Air National Guard. She will assume responsibility for the control and operation of plans and programs affecting more than 1,400 Airmen, to include combat readiness and mission capability of the 151st Air Refueling Wing and three tenant units. She will be responsible for working with a wide variety of federal and state authorities in all aspects of operations, personnel, equipment and funding.

"I'm humbled and honored to have this amazing opportunity to continue to serve with and lead the men and women of the Utah Air National Guard," said Burckle. "As we celebrate 70 years of excellence, I'm proud to honor our legacy and equally as excited about our future."

Now in her 28th year of military service, Burckle began her Air Force career as a navigator on the KC-135 Stratotanker. Her resume also includes time as the Mission Support Flight Commander, State Human Resources Officer, and 151st Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander.

"Certainly, this change of command is historically significant; however, more important is the fact that Col. Burckle represents one of the most talented, dedicated professionals in our ranks," said Burton. "I have every confidence the men and women of the Utah Air National Guard will continue to perform our critical state and federal missions with masterful skill and precision under her guidance and leadership."