Suelzer Named Deputy Adjutant General — Air

Outstanding Airmen of the Year

ON JANUARY 23, 2021, MG TRACY R. NORRIS,

the Adjutant General of Texas, had the privilege to promote the newly assigned Deputy Adjutant General – Air, Thomas M. Suelzer, to the rank of Major General. In this position appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, he serves as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General of Texas for all Air National Guard issues. He is responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all programs, policies, and plans for three Wings and more than 3,300 Air National Guard personnel throughout the State of Texas. He also coordinates activities of the Texas Military Forces with the National Guard Bureau to ensure funding compliance occurs with other federal, state, and local jurisdictions in matters relating to the mission of the Texas Air National Guard.

General Suelzer graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona and went on to serve in various operational and staff assignments during his ten years of Active-Duty service and seven years in the Air Force Reserve. General Suelzer joined the Texas Air National Guard in 2007 where he served as Deputy Director of Operations for Domestic Operations and Director of Operations. During this time, he served in fulltime assignments as the Chief of Staff for the 71st Troop Command (JTF-71) and the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (JTF-136) and served as the Commander of the 136th Airlift Wing, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas. Prior to his current position, Maj Gen Suelzer was the Director of the Joint Staff for the Texas Military Department.

General Suelzer is stepping into the position of Deputy Adjutant General – Air, following the retirement of Maj Gen Dawn Ferrell. H

THE OUTSTANDING AIRMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD (OAY) recognizes Guardsmen for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievement. Each award recipients are representative of the best and brightest of the Texas Air National Guard. These Airmen embodies the characteristics of the great leaders, followers and teammates that make the Air National Guard the ready force that we have today. On January 10, 2021, a ceremony was held both in-person and virtually to honor all recipients. The Outstanding Airman of the Year winners for the State of Texas are as follows:

(Photo by Kara Addition)

(Photo by SrA Katie Schultz)

MSGT JAVIER RAMIREZ a member of the 149th Fighter Wing, recipient of the Outstanding Airman of the Year award for the Senior Noncommissioned Officer category, participates virtually during an OAY ceremony held at Camp Mabry, Texas, Jan. 10, 2021.

AIRMAN CATEGORY:

SSgt Jordan Dunkerson, 147th Attack Wing

COMPANY GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR:

Capt Trevor Spiro, 147th Attack Wing

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER CATEGORY:

SSgt Joseph Cooksey, 147th Attack Wing

FIRST SERGEANT CATEGORY:

MSgt Laken Garcia, 149th Fighter Wing