Gov. names new head of Neb. National Guard, NEMA
LINCOLN, Neb. — Brig. Gen. Craig Strong will be the next head of the Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.
Gov. Jim Pillen announced Strong, a Silver Creek native, as the 34th adjutant general for Nebraska on Friday.
Pillen said Strong has experience in the Navy Reserve, Nebraska National Guard and at the Pentagon.
“My intent: always put the concerns of soldiers and airmen, their families and their employees first,” said Strong. “My main effort will be outreach throughout the state to engage high schools trade schools, colleges, business, and community leaders in order to spread the awesome message of the Nebraska National Guard and what it has to offer and secure a future pipeline of soldiers and airmen who are looking to be part of something that is truly bigger than themselves.”
Current Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac is currently the longest serving adjutant general in the U.S., according to Pillen.
Bohac said the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard are currently understrength. He said the Air National Guard gained 120 positions at Offutt Air Base that they are currently working to fill. COVID impacted the Army National Guard’s recruiting.
“Our ability to recruit young people in Nebraska the blood and treasure of Nebraska is really dependent in our ability to get in the schools early, in their freshman and sophomore years, and build relationships,” said Bohac. “For two years we were prevented from doing that and so we’re rebuilding those relationships now. Recruiting is turning around but we’ve got some work to do in that area.”
Strong will succeed Bohac following a change of command ceremony planned for July 8.
