Craig R. McKinley

Craig R. McKinley
General Craig R. McKinley
Official portrait, 2008
Birth nameCraig Richard McKinley
Born (1952-05-06) May 6, 1952 (age 72)
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Service
Years of service1974–2012
RankGeneral
UnitNational Guard Bureau
CommandsChief of the National Guard Bureau
First Air Force
125th Fighter Wing
WarsGlobal War on Terrorism
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal
Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Other workPresident of the Air Force Association
Craig R. McKinley's voice
McKinley testifies on making the chief of the National Guard Bureau a statutory member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Recorded November 10, 2011

Craig Richard McKinley (born May 6, 1952) is a retired United States Air Force general who served as the 26th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, serving from 2008 to 2012. He is the first officer from the National Guard to achieve the grade of a four-star general.[1]

Prior to becoming chief, he served as the Director, Air National Guard from May 2006 to November 17, 2008. He retired after being succeeded by Frank J. Grass on September 7, 2012.[2] At the ceremony where he transferred authority to his successor, McKinley received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal.[3][4][5] McKinley's official retirement date was November 1, 2012.[6]

  1. ^ Guard's First 4-star General Ready to Take Minutemen Forward
  2. ^ Army Times, General to Take Top Guard Job, Get 4th Star, September 5, 2012
  3. ^ U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, Panetta Hosts Chief Change For National Guard Bureau, Department of Defense Photo Essay, September 7, 2012 Archived April 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Karen Parrish, Pentagon Welcomes New Chief of National Guard Bureau, American Forces Press Service, September 7, 2012 Archived April 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Cheryl Pellerin, Napolitano Honors Outgoing National Guard Bureau Chief, American Forces Press Service, September 7, 2012 Archived April 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Jeff Schogol, Retiring McKinley Finishes Term as Guard Chief, Army Times, September 7, 2012