COLUMBUS, Ohio - COLUMBUS, Ohio— Governor John Kasich named Brig. Gen. Deborah A. Ashenhurst Ohio’s new adjutant general effective Jan. 10, 2011.
“I stand ready to serve you and the citizens of Ohio with military forces trained and prepared to support our fellow Ohioans in any matter of safety and security,” said Ashenhurst.
As adjutant general, Ashenhurst will be responsible for the operation of the Adjutant General’s Department and the military preparedness of the Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio Air National Guard, Ohio Military Reserve and Ohio Naval Militia, totaling more than 18,000 personnel.
“Being given the privilege to command at the highest level is an honor bestowed upon very few. I understand the great responsibility I am undertaking, and I look forward to serving the more than 18,000 Airmen and Soldiers of our great organization,” said Ashenhurst.
Ashenhurst most recently served as commander, 73rd Troop Command, a brigade-sized unit recently designated as one of the first two Homeland Response Force units in the nation.
Brig. Gen. Ashenhurst is the first female general officer for the Ohio Army National Guard, and Ohio’s first female adjutant general. She is the 81st Ohio adjutant general, and one of only two women serving as adjutants general in the 54 states and territories.
“I stand as an example to the women in the Guard and other male dominated fields to show that they too can be a leader of both men and women; what I truly hope to show is that leadership is not gender-specific,” said Ashenhurst.
Serving in the Ohio National Guard since 1978, she has held numerous staff and command positions throughout the organization. She is a graduate of the Army War College and Joint Task force Commander Training Course, and decorated with multiple awards including the Legion of Merit. |
Brig. Gen. Ashenhurst's first decisions were the selection of Col. Mark E. Bartman and Col. John C. Harris, Jr., as assistant adjutants general for Air and Army.
As assistant adjutant general for Air and commander for the Ohio Air National Guard, Bartman is responsible to the adjutant general for directing Air National Guard operations and establishing policy to ensure readiness for over 5,000 personnel in four flying wings and eight support units.
“Col. Bartman brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and experience to the position,” said Ashenhurst. “He has been instrumental in developing our joint strategies and documents, as well as those for the Ohio Air National Guard.”
Bartman most recently served as commander for the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, Ohio, where he ensures the wing is ready to deploy mission-ready warriors and equipment and provide air defense.
Serving in the U.S. Air Force since 1982 and the Ohio Air National Guard since 1991, he has held numerous staff and command positions throughout the organization. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours, including 29 combat missions in operations Provide Comfort, Northern Watch and Southern Watch.
As assistant adjutant general for Army, Harris is responsible for establishing policies, priorities and oversight for the readiness of over 11,400 Soldiers.
“Colonel Harris brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and experience to the position,” said Ashenhurst. “He has been pivotal in our success in making the Ohio Army National Guard the most respected in the nation.”
Harris most recently served as the Ohio Army National Guard chief of staff, the adjutant general’s principle assistant for directing, coordinating, supervising, and training the staff of the Ohio Army National Guard.
Serving in the Ohio National Guard since 1981, he has held numerous staff and command positions throughout the organization, including deputy chief of staff for personnel, commander of Task Force Lancer at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo and commander of 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry.
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