LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending outgoing 105th Airlift Wing Commander
Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. for his outstanding service to
the United States of America, the State of New York and the Hudson
Valley Community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those individuals
who dedicate their lives to military service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
outgoing 105th Airlift Wing Commander Brigadier General Verle L. John-
ston, Jr. for his outstanding service to the United States of America,
the State of New York and the Hudson Valley Community; and
WHEREAS, This most auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Change
of Command Ceremony on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Stewart Air National
Guard Base in Newburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. assumed command as
the Wing Commander for the 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National
Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, on March 3, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. is currently direct-
ing the conversion of the Wing from 13 C-5A aircraft to 8 C-17 aircraft,
and is responsible for the combat readiness of assigned units by review-
ing training programs and ensuring the availability of necessary equip-
ment and supplies; and
WHEREAS, A command pilot with more than 7,500 flying hours, Brigadier
General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. graduated from the United States Air
Force Academy in 1974, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interna-
tional Affairs, and a commission in the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, In addition, in 1980, Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston,
Jr. received an MBA degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in
Troy, New York, and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Albany Law
School in Albany, New York, in 1983; his education also includes study
at the Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff College, and
the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base; and
WHEREAS, As part of his distinguished military career, Brigadier
General Verle L. Johnston, Jr.'s assignments have included: Chief, Mate-
rial Management Branch, 416 Supply Squadron, Griffiss Air Force Base,
Rome, New York; and service as Aircraft Commander, Air Operations Offi-
cer, Squadron Operations Officer, Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner,
139 Tactical Airlift Squadron, at Stratton Air National Guard Base,
Scotia, New York; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. has also served in
key assignments as: 109th Operations Group Commander, 109th Logistics
Group Commander, and 109th Airlift Wing Vice Commander at Stratton Air
National Guard Base, Scotia, New York; and
WHEREAS, Among his many military awards and decorations, Brigadier
General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. holds the: Legion of Merit, Meritorious
Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with one oak leaf
cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Achieve-
ment Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with five oak leaf clus-
ters, and the Combat Readiness Medal with seven oak leaf clusters; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. is the
recipient of the: Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense
Service Medal with two star devices, Antarctica Service Medal, Global
War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with
six oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one 'M' device,

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), and Air Force Training
Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, As Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. retires as
Commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, he will continue to lend his
talents and expertise to this great Nation working part-time at New York
National Guard headquarters in Albany, New York, serving the future of
the Guard and its New York mission; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers who devote themselves to military
service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the
care and welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State and Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend outgoing 105th Airlift Wing Commander Brigadier General Verle L.
Johnston, Jr. for his outstanding service to the United States of Ameri-
ca, the State of New York and the Hudson Valley Community, and to wish
him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr.