Brigadier General Gene Chavez is currently serving as the chief of staff for the Headquarters State Staff, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. In this capacity, he is responsible for oversight, administration and coordination of Headquarters State Staff; to include staff operating policies, issues, and directives. More specifically, advises both the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, and the State Adjutant General on force management issues, operational policy, readiness, and administrative protocol; ensuring that the Adjutant General and staff are informed on matters affecting the command. Represents the Adjutant General as appropriate, in the execution of assigned responsibilities and operational requirements of the Headquarters State Staff.

Brigadier General Chavez earned his Bachelor's Degree in History and Political Science from the University of New Mexico in 1971. In 1979, he earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration also from the University of New Mexico. He was commissioned on May 12, 1977 upon graduating from McGhee-Tyson Air Base, Alcoa Tenn.. Prior to his commission he served in the enlisted ranks, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. His tours of duty included a deployment to Southeast Asia at Taegu Air Base, Korea.

EDUCATION:

1978 Squadron Officers School, Air University, Maxwell, Air Force Base, Ala.
1985 Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1992 Reserve Component, National Security Course, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
1996 Air War College, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. May 1977 - October 1978, officer in charge, Supply Operations, 150th Combat Support Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
2. October 1978 - October 1980 management and procedures officer, 150th Resources Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
3. October 1980 - May 1981, chief, Customer Support, 150th Resources Management Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
4. May 1981 - August 1987, chief, Social Actions, 150th Combat Support Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
5. August 1987 - October 1992, commander 150th Resources Management Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
6. October 1992 - April 1994, commander, 150th Logistics Management Squadron, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
7. April 1994 - October 1995, plans and programs officer, Headquarters, New Mexico Air National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
8. October 1995 - January 1997, director of personnel, Headquarters, New Mexico Air National Guard, N.M.
19. January 1997 - September 2002, director of support, Headquarters, New Mexico Air National Guard
10. September 2002 - Present, chief of staff, Headquarters, New Mexico Air National Guard

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with one device
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
National Defense Service Medal with one device
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with seven devices
Armed Forces Reserve Meritorious Medal with one device
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device
Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross with one device

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:

First Lieutenant May 12, 1977
Captain September 9, 1980
Major October 13, 1984
Lieutenant Colonel November 6, 1988
Colonel June 7, 1998
Brigadier General September 30, 2002

(Current as of June 2005)

The date of publication indicated on this biography reflects the most recent update. It does not necessarily reflect the date of printing.

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