LANSING, MI, UNITED STATES
01.02.2019
LANSING, Mich. – Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers assumed duties as adjutant general, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in a ceremony following the inauguration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the Michigan State Capitol, Lansing, Mich., Jan. 1, 2018.
Approximately 100 friends, family, and members of the Michigan National Guard were on-hand as Whitmer officiated the change of responsibility between Rogers and Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, who has served as adjutant general under the administration of Gov. Rick Snyder since January 2011.
The ceremony was one of Whitmer’s first acts as governor after taking the oath of office that morning.
“The Department of Military and Veterans affairs is an essential organization that must stand ready to defend the nation, respond to natural and manmade disasters here in Michigan, and support critical veteran services here in our state,” said Whitmer, addressing Rogers. “I have the fullest confidence that you will bring the character and commitment required to take on the task of leading 11,000 soldiers, airmen, and civilians of the department through any challenge they may face.”
Rogers, Michigan’s 34th adjutant general, brings high credentials and experience to the position.
Commissioned a second lieutenant of engineers in 1987 from Michigan Technical University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program, he deployed to Iraq in 2005 to form an engineering joint task force of over 1,000 soldiers, marines, and airmen. Most recently, Rogers has served as chief of staff and deputy commander, 46th Military Police Command, Lansing, Mich., tasked with disaster response and consequence management for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events nationwide.
Rogers is also a Department of the Army civilian professional, serving as a U.S. Army Tier 2 Senior Executive for more than 12 years. In this role, he directs the U.S. Army Research Development Engineering Command – Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, Warren, Mich., providing advanced technology solutions for all U.S. military ground systems and combat support equipment. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering.
“Governor, thank you for this opportunity to serve these men and women,” said Rogers, shortly after accepting the colors of the Michigan National Guard from Whitmer in a symbolic passing of responsibility with Vadnais. “To the airmen and soldiers in this room, and the 11,000 currently serving today, I dedicate myself to you over this tenure; I am here for you, my family is here for you, and we will give our all to you.”
Rogers’ wife of 28 years, Sally, sons Timothy and Nicholas, along with daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandson Lincoln, were in attendance.
In brief remarks, Vadnais confirmed Roger’s qualifications to lead the Michigan National Guard and offered a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt, which he cited as a guiding beacon though trials of leadership during his own tenure as adjutant general.
“Teddy Roosevelt said, ‘It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles…the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…who strives valiantly; who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat;’ Governor, Maj. Gen. Rogers – welcome to the arena,” said Vadnais.
With the transition of responsibility, Vadnais culminated a distinguished 43-year military career, beginning in 1970 when he joined the Michigan National Guard. He led 14,000 personnel in disaster relief operations following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has received numerous awards and honors including the Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit.
During the ceremony, Whitmer presented Vadnais with one of the first challenge coins of her administration. Additionally, she acknowledged the twenty-one soldiers from the Michigan National Guard who have given their lives over the last eighteen years of combat operations in the Middle East, and affirmed her commitment to the people of the Michigan National Guard as she assumes the role of their Commander-in-Chief.
“Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian members, I thank you for your service and I ask you to support and enable Maj. Gen. Rogers as he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work,” she said. “I am committed to standing with you in the work that needs to be done and I will support you as you continue to support and defend our nation and our state.”
The Michigan National Guard had a strong participation in Whitmer’s inauguration ceremony including a performance by the 126th Army Band. A 19-gun salute was fired by the 119th Field Artillery, and a flyover of the Capitol was conducted by UH-60 Blackhawks from the 3-328th Aviation Battalion. Airmen and soldiers from the Michigan National Guard also participated in an Honor Guard formation during the presentation of colors and national anthem.
For more photos:
Leaders from the Michigan National Guard bow during the invocation for the inauguration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lansing, Mich., Jan. 1, 2019 (Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Andrew Layton/released).