June 26, 2024

State of Washington

Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh adjutant general of Washington. Welsh will command all Washington Army and Air National Guard forces and serve as the director of the Washington Military Department, which along with the Washington National Guard, includes the state's Emergency Management Division and the Washington Youth Challenge Academy. The position also serves as homeland security advisor to the governor and as administrator for all Homeland Security grants awarded to Washington's state, local, Tribal and non-profit entities. Welsh has 36 years of military experience. He has spent the last decade working in various capacities with the Washington Military Department. For the last four years he served as the department's deputy director and commander of the Washington Air National Guard, leading 2,000 airmen who respond to natural disasters and work on some of the nation's most sensitive intelligence, cyberspace and special warfare missions. He was chief of staff for the state Military Department from 2014 to 2017, and the 194th Wing Commander from 2017 to 2019. Additionally, Welsh has been the National Guard advisor to the assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force for personnel and reserve affairs since 2023. Welsh replaces Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, who is retiring at the end of June after more than 40 years of service, including the last 12 as adjutant general and director of the Washington Military Department.