By Master Sgt. Diane Stinnett, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini (left), Kentucky’s adjutant general, administers the Oath of Office to Warren Hurst, assistant adjutant general for Air, during a ceremony promoting Hurst to the rank of brigadier general at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 12, 2014. Hurst previously served as commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air, Warren H. Hurst, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony here July 12.
Hurst's new rank insignia were pinned on by his wife and daughter before an audience of family, friends and coworkers in the Base Annex.
“Unbridled Service is the standard by which we define the National Guard, and I believe Warren’s career fits that definition to perfection,” said Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, who officiated the ceremony.
“I know that our organization, and most importantly the men and women of the Kentucky National Guard, are in good hands with your sage wisdom and guidance.
Calling him an “outstanding officer in every way,” Tonini went on to recognize Hurst’s many accomplishments during more than 25 years of service.
Commissioned through Officer Training School in 1986, Hurst has an extensive background in planning and executing expeditionary air operations worldwide. He has served in various operational and headquarters staff assignments, including duty as an instructor and evaluator pilot for 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern.
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Brig. Gen. Warren Hurst, Kentucky’s assistant adjutant general for Air, accepts a brigadier general’s guidon from Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, during a ceremony promoting Hurst to the rank of brigadier general at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 12, 2014. Hurst previously served as commander of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard)
He also served as the 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) director of mobility forces for eight National Level Exercises for homeland security/homeland defense, coordinated civil-military air relief efforts during the 2010 Haiti earthquake and was deputy director of mobility forces to the Pacific Air Forces commander in response to the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan in 2011.
Before moving to his current role at Joint Forces Headquarters-Kentucky, Hurst stood up and commanded the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group — the only CRG in the Air National Guard — and most recently served as commander of the Louisville-based 123rd Airlift Wing.
As assistant adjutant general for Air, Hurst is the commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard and represents the governor and the adjutant general of Kentucky on matters pertaining to the Kentucky Air Guard.
“One doesn't get to this point in their career without a lot of support from many different aspects — from senior leadership, family, friends and from the Airmen you work with and for,” Hurst told the audience.
He recognized his family for their “support and encouragement” over the years and praised the Airmen of the 123rd Airlift Wing for their to dedication to duty.
“Your willingness to answer the call is simply impressive, and when you go, you excel in the performance of your job,” Hurst said. “Thank you for inspiring me every day with your commitment to excellence and thank you for the opportunity to continue my service to you and to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”