BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN W. MERRITT

Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Delaware National Guard

Brigadier General John W. Merritt is the Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Delaware National Guard and also serves as Commander, Delaware Air National Guard. He is responsible for providing trained, equipped, and mission ready forces in support of federal mobilization requirements and state emergency operations. General Merritt develops plans, programs, and policies in support of Delaware C-130 Wing and maintains liaison with major commands and the National Guard Bureau.

General Merritt was commissioned in October 1982 through the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. Prior to receiving his commission, he served as an enlisted member in the Delaware Air National Guard. Following his commissioning, General Merritt attended the Supply Officer Course at Lowry Air Force Base and upon graduation was assigned as Base Supply Operations Officer and later Branch Chief. General Merritt has commanded the 166th Aerial Port Flight and 166th Logistics Squadron. Prior to his current assignment as the Assistant Adjutant General, General Merritt served as the Director of Support, Headquarters, Delaware Air National Guard. In this role he acted on behalf of the Adjutant General and Assistant Adjutant General, Delaware Air National Guard, in the administration, training, and operations of all Air National Guard units in the state. General Merritt assisted and advised local authorities in the utilization of Air National Guard units for state and civic activities. He served as the principal advisor for the Delaware Air National Guard strategic plan and execution. General Merritt concurrently served on the Joint Staff of the Headquarters, Delaware National Guard as Plans, Exercises, and Training Director (J5/7) and as the Chief of Staff.

EDUCATION:

1972 University of Delaware, Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Newark, Delaware
1994 Wilmington University, Master of Science, Human Resources Management/ Personnel Administration, Wilmington, Delaware
2000 Air War College, by correspondence
2010 Joint Task Force Commanders Course, Colorado Springs, Colorado

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. October 1982 - January 1986, Base Supply Operations Officer, 166th Resource Management Squadron, Delaware Air National Guard, New Castle, Delaware
2. January 1986 - April 1987, Branch Chief, 166th Resource Management Squadron, Delaware Air National Guard, New Castle, Delaware
3. April 1987 - July 1994, Commander, 166th Aerial Port Flight, Delaware Air National Guard, New Castle, Delaware
4. July 1994 - June 2000, Commander, 166th Logistics Squadron, Delaware Air National Guard, New Castle, Delaware
5. June 2000 - September 2010, Director of Support, Headquarters, Delaware Air National Guard, New Castle, Delaware
6. September 2010 - Present, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Delaware National Guard, Headquarters, Delaware Air National Guard, New Castle, Delaware

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)
National Defense Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (with 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)
Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Bronze and Gold Hourglass and M Device)
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
Air Force Training Ribbon (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
Delaware National Guard Distinguished Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
Delaware National Guard Medal for Military Merit (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster)
Delaware National Guard National Defense Service Ribbon
Delaware National Guard Medal for Service in Aid to Civil Authority (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:

Second Lieutenant 21 October 1982
First Lieutenant 9 February 1985
Captain 17 June 1987
Major 13 September 1991
Lieutenant Colonel 1 May 1996
Colonel 30 March 2001
Brigadier General 1 September 2010

(Current as of October 2010)