Chief of Missouri Guard’s Joint Staff promoted to brigadier general

  • Published
  • By Bill Phelan
  • Special to the 131st Bomb Wing
SAINT LOUIS, Mo --  Col. David W. Newman, chief of the Missouri National Guard Joint Staff, was promoted to brigadier general in the Air National Guard during a ceremony August 11 at the Guard's Joint Commander's Conference at the Union Station Marriott.

A native of Pittsfield, Ill., Newman was "pinned" by his wife, Karen, and by Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.

In expressing his confidence in Newman, Danner said his promotion serves an example of the Missouri Army and Air National Guard working as a single, joint force.

"The promotion of Col. Newman to brigadier general and his recent appointment as chief of the joint staff demonstrates the fact that the Missouri National Guard is truly a joint force," said Danner. "Brig. Gen. Newman will serve as a guiding light for that force. He's the right man for the job in these trying times."

A 35-year Air Force veteran, Newman thanked his family for their support throughout his military career and acknowledged the guidance he received from former commanders and colleagues.

"With this promotion comes an increased responsibility and accountability not only to Maj. Gen. Danner as my boss, but also to all of the senior leaders in this room and to the more than 11,000 Missouri Guardsmen throughout the state," Newman said. "I promise you all that I will stay engaged and remain committed to keeping the Missouri National Guard the best National Guard in the United States."

A 1973 graduate of Romeoville High School, Newman began his military career in 1977 through the Reserve Officers Training Program at Southern Illinois University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. After completing the Air Battle Management Qualification Course, Newman served as an air battle manager for the 23rd Air Division in Minnesota and for the 3625th Technical Training Squadron in Florida. He also served as director of operations for the 794th Air Control Squadron in Alaska and for the 134th Air Control Squadron in Kansas, where he spent seven years in the Kansas Air National Guard.

In 1990, Newman joined the Missouri Air National Guard and was named commander of the 121st Air Control Squadron at Jefferson Barracks, where he later took command of the 157th Air Operations Group and served as base commander.

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S., Newman worked in support of Operation Noble Eagle, protecting the North American continent from air attack as part of the 615th Air Operations Group, Pacific Air Force.

He was named chief of the joint staff, Missouri National Guard on June 20, 2012.

Newman is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Squadron Officers School, the Air Commander and Staff College and the Air War College. He has completed the U.S. Air Force Interceptor Weapons School, the Fighter Weapons School and has a master's degree in business administration from Webster University.

Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Combat Readiness Medal, and a Humanitarian Service Medal.