Staff Report
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="561"]
U.S. Army Gen. Frank Grass (left), chief of the National Guard Bureau, promotes Greg Nelson, vice director of Strategic Plans, Policy and International Affairs at the National Guard Bureau, to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony at the National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Va., Nov. 19, 2014. Nelson served as commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing in Louisville from 2008 to 2012. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Col. Greg Nelson, a former commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing was promoted tot he rank of brigadier general during a ceremony at the National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Nov. 19, 2014. Nelson led the 123rd from 2008 - 2012. He now serves as the vice-director of Strategic Plans, Policy and International Affairs at the National Guard Bureau.
As wing commander, Nelson provided leadership and management of a very diverse tactical airlift flying unit. Working in concert with a wide variety of federal and state authorities, he was accountable for all aspects of operations, personnel, equipment and funding matters, ensuring the wing’s readiness to perform its wartime mission.
"Greg is an invaluable member of our Air Force and a huge asset to the Guard," said Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, adjutant general of Kentucky. "I couldn't be more proud for Greg and his family. A promotion well-deserved."
Nelson also served as an RF-4C weapon systems officer and C-130 instructor navigator. He has held multiple leadership and senior staff positions, most recently the Deputy Director of Mobility Forces, United States Central Command. Nelson was the Director of Strategic Plans and Programs for Joint Force Headquarters, Kentucky National Guard. He also commanded the 123rd Airlift Control Flight, was deputy command post chief, chief of logistics plans and chief of wing plans. Nelson's military career spans more than 35 years, including nine years of enlisted service prior to his officer commissioning through the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in 1984. During his career, Nelson has participated in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Provide Promise, Joint Forge, Joint Guard, Coronet Oak, Phoenix Oak, Bright Star, Partnership For Peace, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Fundamental Justice, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn.