Retired effective Feb 13, 1996
Major General Jerald D.
Slack is the adjutant general of Wisconsin. He is responsible for both the federal and
state missions of the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard.
General Slack graduated from high school in Pekin, Ill. He attended college at Purdue University, University of Illinois and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., in 1959. His military education includes Squadron Officer School, 1971; Air Command and Staff, 1973; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, 1974.
General Slack began his military career when he enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard in 1959. In 1961, he transferred to the Wisconsin ANG and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In 1962, he was assigned as civil engineering officer. After completing undergraduate pilot training in 1963, and interceptor training in August 1964, he returned to the 176th Fighter Interceptor Squadron as a pilot and assistant flight commander. In December 1971, the general was assigned to the 115th Fighter Group, as air operations officer. In May 1974, he was reassigned to the 176th Fighter Interceptor Group, as assistant flight commander, and squadron, tactical air liaison officer. General Slack was transferred to Headquarters, 128th Tactical Air Wing, in September 1976. Here he was assigned to the wing, as air operations officer. He was reassigned as commander, 176th Tactical Air Squadron, in February 1980. He held that position until April 1981, when he was transferred to Headquarters, 128th Tactical Fighter Wing, as deputy air commander. He was reassigned in January 1984, as director of operations to Headquarters, Wisconsin ANG. On Oct. 3, 1987, the general was designated chief of staff/commander (Air) in Madison. General Slack was appointed adjutant general on Dec. 21, 1989.
General Slack is a command pilot with more than 3,200 hours flying time. He has flown T-37, T-33, F-89, F-102, O-2, OA-37, A-10 and KC-135 aircraft. The general's military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one bronze star, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
In his civilian capacity, the general is a full time adjutant general as well as a registered professional engineer in the state of Wisconsin.
His civic affiliations include being a member of the National Guard Association, Air Force Association, and vice president of the Adjutants General Association of the United States.
General Slack was promoted to major general and federally recognized on Aug. 3, 1990.
(Current as of February 2001)
The date of publication indicated on this biography reflects the most recent update. It does not necessarily reflect the date of printing.