ROLAND WRIGHT AIR BASE, Utah –
The Utah National Guard is scheduled to host the change-of-command and retirement ceremony of its top general officer and commander, the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, on Nov. 7, 2019, here at 1:30 p.m.
The Governor of Utah, the Honorable Gary R. Herbert, will provide remarks and oversee the event. The ceremony is closed to the general public due to time and space restrictions.
On Oct. 17, 2019, Herbert announced the selection of Brig. Gen. Michael J. Turley to serve as the adjutant general of the UTNG. Turley will replace Burton effective Nov. 7, 2019.
“It’s an honor to follow a Soldier like General Burton,” said Turley. “The sacrifice and service he provided over the years are directly in line with all the soldierly values we cherish, like courage, commitment, and character. He has been my mentor and exemplar for over 20 years. It’s sad to see him go, but he left an indelible mark on the UTNG, his influence will always be part of our history.”
Burton began his military service in 1982 as an enlisted Soldier in the field artillery. He attended Brigham Young University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1984.
Burton served for six years as a regular Army officer in the Military Police Corps, completing tours at the United States Army Military Police School, Fort McClellan, Alabama; in Europe with 7th United States Corps; and at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 4th Infantry Division.
He returned to the Utah Army National Guard in 1991 and branch-transferred to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has served in many positions to include company commander, battalion executive officer, assistant professor of Military Science at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, director of Civil Military Relations and Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. He is a two-time battalion commander, leading the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and then as commander of the 1457th Engineer Combat Battalion, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I as part of the 1st Armored Division Task Force in 2003.
In 2007, Burton was appointed as the assistant adjutant general, commander of 5,600 Soldiers in the Utah Army National Guard to include the 19th Special Forces Group, 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, 65th Fires Brigade, 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and 97th Aviation Troop Command.
Burton assumed his duties as the adjutant general in October 2012, responsible for the training and mobilization of more than 7,500 Soldiers and Airmen. He served as the adjutant general, commanding general of the Utah Air and Army National Guard from 2012 to 2019.
“My time in the service has been the best experience of my life,” Burton said. “It’s hard to leave such amazing Airmen and Soldiers, but I know they are in good hands with Brig. Gen. Turley. It’s the people I will miss the most, but I plan to continue advocating for our men and women in uniform wherever I go.”
Media notes:
RSVP is required for credentialed media coverage of the ceremony at the South Hangar #3 of Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base. An escort will be assigned upon arrival at the front gate and will be escorted to the hangar. The Air Base is located at 765 N. 2200 W., Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. Please arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. to avoid the crowd and security screening of the masses attending.
For more information, please contact Maj. D.J. Gibb, Utah National Guard Public Affairs Officer at (801) 716-9063, ng.ut.utarng.list.pao@mail.mil.
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