Governor Quinn Appoints Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois Air National Guard

SPRINGFIELD – August, 31, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today appointed Illinois Air National Guard Brig. Gen. James W. Schroeder as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air. Schroeder will complete the term of retiring Brig. Gen. John P. Hughes, which ends January 2011.

“I have the utmost confidence that Brigadier General Schroeder will work hard to serve the people of Illinois in his new role,” said Governor Quinn. “Our servicemembers deserve to have dedicated people like General Schroeder in their corner to advocate on their behalf.”

Schroeder has served as the Illinois Air National Guard’s chief of staff since July 2007. In that role, he was responsible for assisting the commander of the Illinois Air National Guard with operations of all plans and programs for more than 3,000 Illinois Airmen located in Peoria, Springfield and Scott Air Force Base. Most recently, Schroeder was a pilot for American Airlines.

“Brigadier General Schroeder brings a wealth of education, experience and expertise, both civilian and military, to the post,” said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. “His leadership and expertise will be a valuable asset to all Illinois Airmen as we continue to support overseas missions and remain ready to respond to domestic emergencies.”

Schroeder, a native of Westmont, Illinois and currently residing in Geneva, Illinois, became an air force officer in 1982 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School. Schroeder assisted in the initial setup of the aerial refueling training operation at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. His involvement helped pave the way for the ongoing rotation of Air National Guard refueling units to the NATO base.

Most recently, Schroeder flew combat air patrol missions in support of Operation Noble Eagle, and flew combat support missions in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

“This is an opportunity to positively affect the lives of Illinois Airmen and their families, to build upon the great things we do day in and day out, and to strengthen those relationships with the communities we serve,” said Schroeder.

Schroeder holds a bachelor of science in industrial technology from Western Illinois University and completed the Air War College in 2002.