Governor Appoints New Commander of Illinois Air National Guard

Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Paul will serve as the full-time Illinois Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air.

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, the Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard, has appointed Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Paul of Springfield, Illinois, to serve as the full-time Assistant Adjutant General - Air upon the retirement of Maj. Gen. William Cobetto of Hillsboro, Illinois.

Brig. Gen. Paul is currently deployed overseas in support of United States Southern Command. Upon his return, he will be the full-time Commander of the approximately 3,000 Airmen of the Illinois Air National Guard serving under Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, who commands both the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard.

"For 27 years Ron Paul has led Airmen at home and during contingency operations around the globe," Governor Rauner said. "He has clearly demonstrated his ability to lead and build partnerships across agency lines. He is a combat veteran who has the confidence and trust of his Airmen, his peers and those appointed over him."

Paul graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs. He served in the U.S. Air Force in various operational units including in Europe, Tactical Air Command/Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and Pacific Air Forces. He transitioned into the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing in 2001.

"Brigadier General Paul is the right officer to lead the Illinois Air National Guard as it continues to go from strong to stronger. He has proven his ability to lead and provide the strategic direction for the Illinois Air National Guard as it continuously prepares for both our state and federal missions. I am grateful to have Ron serve alongside me," Hayes said.

Paul has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Provide Comfort, and Deny Flight. He was also the senior U.S. Military officer in charge of the initial F-16 aircraft maintenance training in Poland.

Maj. Gen. Cobetto, who has served admirably as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air since December 2011, will retire this fall after more than 30 years of service.

"For three decades, Major General Cobetto has dedicated his life to the Airmen of Illinois Air National Guard and to serving the citizens of Illinois," said Rauner. "On behalf of all Illinoisans, we extend our deepest appreciation to Major General Cobetto for his service and we wish him abundant success in his future endeavors."