FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. -- Pa. Air National Guard Commander Col. Mike Regan was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony held here Jan 7.
In addition to holding the position as commander to the Commonwealth’s Airmen, he also serves as one of the state’s deputy adjutant generals (DAG). In these postures, he serves as a primary advisor to The Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli.
Carrelli said of Regan’s leadership, “Every single time, you could always count on Mike’s steady hand, you could always count on a comedic remark here and there to level the thickness of the atmosphere. And when it came down to it, he would always get the job done.”
Regan responded to Carrelli and the nearly 200 audience members after receiving the Air Force’s one-star flag – a symbol of his rank.
“Rest assured that I won’t let you or any Pennsylvania National Guard Airman or Soldier down.”
He continued by acknowledging those he felt contributed to his success.
“[This] would not have been possible without the love and support of my family, friends, co-workers, and the mentorship and friendship of my fellow Airmen and Soldiers,” said Regan. “This promotion isn’t about me, it’s about [my wife and daughter] and all the people who grace me with their presence in my life.”
Enlisting in the Air Force in 1981, he later joined the former 111th Fighter Wing, now the 111th Attack Wing, at Horsham Air Guard Station, Pa. As an enlisted Airmen, he rose to the rank of master sergeant within the aircraft maintenance field. He earned his commission in 1994 and served as an aircraft maintenance officer. Before assuming his role as Pa. DAG - Air, he was the 111th Mission Support Group commander. He also served with the Michigan ANG and Delaware ANG during his career.
Carrelli lauded Regan’s history of skill in imparting teamwork and problem solving over multiple operations and instances, both domestic and in combat. As an ANG commander and Pa. DAG - Air, that skillset applies to an array of factions within the state: full-time military members, drill-status military, civilian personnel and veterans. He is responsible for the federal and stateside operational readiness of the 4,100 Airmen that compose the fourth largest Air Guard component in the U.S.
“I have the absolute, utmost trust in [Regan] for taking care of our Airmen, taking care of our veterans, working with the Army and taking care of safety and security throughout Pennsylvania,” said The Adjutant General of Pennsylvania’s National Guard. “He’s demonstrated that [ability] through years of performance.”