Longtime Resident Named CNG Adjutant General

HARTFORD, CT — United States Army National Guard Brigadier General Francis J. Evon, Jr. of Newington has been appointed to serve as Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, according to the office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

As a former Assistant Adjutant General of the Connecticut Army National Guard and Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Military Department, Evon possesses more than 30 years of military service and leadership experience.

He will succeed Major General Thaddeus J. Martin, the longest currently-tenured Adjutant General in the nation, who is retiring next week after serving in the military for more than 40 years. Martin has led the Connecticut National Guard since May 1, 2005.

A change of command ceremony will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, July 7, at the William A. O’Neill State Armory in Hartford to commemorate the transformation in leadership.

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, and 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 Nov. 2009 to Nov. 2010.

The brigadier general 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 has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

The Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard 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 counter-terrorism and domestic preparedness contingencies for the State of Connecticut.

“I am humbled by the opportunity and eager to build upon the incredible legacy created by Major General Martin during his tenure,” Evon said. “The men and women of the Connecticut National Guard are our most important asset, and I will give my all to help our organization – and our people – realize its full potential embodying the National Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There.”

“On behalf of the entire State of Connecticut, I extend my deepest appreciation to Major General Martin, who for the last 13 years led the Connecticut National Guard with diligence, valor, and dependability, and we are proud for all that he has given our state,” Malloy said. “Whether it be an unexpected emergency situation at home or in a neighboring state, or the need to provide military support for overseas operations on behalf of our nation, Major General Martin’s guidance has been integral in the management of the Guard carrying out its duties. His leadership will be missed by many, and I truly appreciate everything he has provided for our state during his tenure. I also want to thank Brigadier General Evon for taking on this significant task of serving as commander of the Connecticut National Guard. For over 30 years, Brigadier General Evon has served our military with distinction. I am confident that as Adjutant General, he will utilize his skills to coordinate and support the Guard in its operations.”

“Major General Martin is an extraordinary public servant, a dedicated leader, and fully devoted to the men and women of the Connecticut National Guard and the people of Connecticut,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “He is, above all, a soldier. I want to thank him for his decades of military service to our state and the nation. We have been fortunate to have him at the helm preparing the next generation of leaders. I’m honored to call him friend and I wish him the very best in retirement. As Brigadier General Evon prepares to take the reins, he should know we have the highest confidence in his abilities. He is a man of integrity and will be a strong leader for the National Guard. I thank him for his friendship over the years and wish him the best in his new role.”

Story and photo courtesy of the office of Gov. Dannel Malloy

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