Gary R. Charlton II, a Skaneateles resident, promoted to one-star general in the New York Air National Guard on June 4

Charlton commands 1,000-Airman, 105th Airlift Wing

Newburgh, New York (06/06/2022) — Gary R. Charlton II, a was promoted to one-star general in the New York Air National Guard on Saturday, June 4, a Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.

Charlton, who served as an enlisted Airman from 1990 to 2000, is the commander of the 105th Airlift Wing which flies the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter.

He previously commanded the 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. He took command of the 105th in March of this year.

His promotion took place in one of the wing's massive hangers with 1,000 Airmen in formation.Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Shields Jr., the adjutant general of New York praised Charlton for his character, experience and leadership skills.

"You are clearly a multi star officer even though you are getting your first one today," Shields said. "You have a bright future ahead of you."Charlton, who has more than 3,200 of flying hours in aircraft ranging from the Cessna T-37 to the MQ-9 Reaper drone, started his career as an enlisted fuels systems technician.

In his remarks, Charlton thanked his family for their support and those who inspired and mentored him along the way."This promotion isn't about me or my family." Charlton said. "It's about the Air Force, the Air National Guard, and specifically the 105th Airlift Wing," Charlton said.

His wife Susan and two daughters Megan and Ginger pinned his new one-star rank on his uniform during the ceremony.

Charlton was promoted to brigadier general following a ceremony at which six members of the wing were recognized for their actions during Operation Allies Refuge, the August 2021 mission to evacuate Afghan nationals and others from Kabul as the city fell to the Taliban.

Charlton graduated from Columbia College in 1995 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.

He earned his officer's commission in 2000 and attended undergraduate pilot training in 2001.

Charlton completed initial F-16 Fighting Falcon qualification training in 2002 and served as an F-16C pilot flying with the 138th Fighter Squadron, at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse.

He has held the positions of flight, detachment and squadron commander of the 138th Fighter Squadron; as well as 107th Operations Group commander and vice commander of the 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

A combat veteran, Charlton served seven combat deployments. He served on three deployments while enlisted: Operations Desert Shield and Storm, and Northern Watch.

He served another four deployments as an F-16 pilot, flying combat missions in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Charlton's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Air Force Overseas Ribbon, and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon.

His military education includes the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College and the Joint and Combined Warfighter School.

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