Montana National Guard general to retire in June, Governor names replacement
Major General J Peter Hronek, the Adjutant General of Montana's National Guard, will retire on June 7, following a 40-year military career.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday announced the leadership change at the Department of Military Affairs, and the appointment of Col. Trenton J. Gibson as the new adjutant general for the state, the highest ranking state military officer.
'I'm grateful to General Hronek for his service to the State of Montana. Under his leadership, the men and women of the Montana National Guard have had a true public servant guiding them and their efforts,' Gianforte said in a press release. 'From helping Montanans recover from disasters to recruiting Montanans to serve their country as a member of the Guard, General Hronek has served Montana with steadfast dedication. I wish him great success as he embarks on this next chapter of his life.'
Gianforte appointed Hronek in December 2020 following a stint serving in Washington D.C.
Hronek began his military career as a pilot in 1985 and has been with the Montana National Guard since 1986. He served three combat tours in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
'I have been honored to lead the outstanding soldiers, airmen, and Department of Military Affairs professionals. I am so proud to see them empowered and ready to serve at the next level. They have enhanced their missions and brought on new capabilities to our nation and state. As a result of our efforts, the Montana National Guard is in a better position than ever before to recruit and retain our members,' Hronek said in a press release.
Following Hronek's retirement next month, Gibson will take over as the leader of Montana's military force.
Gibson, according to the state's press release, began his military career with the Montana National Guard in 1995 and currently commands the 1889th Montana Army National Guard Regional Support Group in Butte. He also has served as director for the Montana National Guard Youth Challenge Academy since 2018.
'I thank Major General Hronek for his honorable service to our state and nation and his steadfast leadership of the Montana National Guard. I appreciate Governor Gianforte offering me the honor and privilege of serving in this capacity,' Colonel Gibson said. 'The Montana National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs are home to exceptional professionals, and I have been blessed to serve in both organizations for over 25 years. I also thank my family for their support and sacrifice as I step into this critical role.'
The Montana National Guard comprises 2,290 soldiers stationed in 16 different communities across Montana.
Montana's National Guard has been in the news recently after three Army National Guard members were cited for criminal trespassing after allegedly landing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on private property near the Crazy Mountains.
The Big Timber Pioneer first reported on the incident, in which the guardsmen collected elk antlers and a skeletonized head with antlers, according to the Sweet Grass County sheriff's office.
The Montana National Guard said the troops had been on a training flight from Billings to Helena, and turned over the antlers to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
One of the three guardsman charged with misdemeanor trespassing is also a Montana Highway Patrol trooper.
In a statement about the alleged incident last week, Hronek said an internal investigation was underway.
'If true, this behavior does not align with the values of the Montana National Guard. Misuse of military equipment erodes the trust we strive to uphold with the people of Montana,' Hronek said. 'Every member of the Montana National Guard is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the law.'
A spokesperson for the governor's office said Hronek's retirement is 'in no way related to the current events of the department.'
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