FOR RELEASE: Friday, February 19, 2021 –
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@mail.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Director of the Air National Guard U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, a Colorado Guardsman, will promote former Colorado National Guard State Chaplain U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. (select) Paul E. Franz in a formal ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Centennial, Colorado, Feb. 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
Franz currently serves as the Air National Guard assistant to the chief of chaplains, Headquarters, USAF, Washington D.C. He is the principal advisor on all matters pertaining to the 600 Air National Guard Chaplain Corps members serving in 90 wings and 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, in order to achieve maximum operational synergy with Active Duty forces.
“To have a Colorado National Guard member attain the rank of general officer in the Chaplain Corps is a point of pride for Colorado and a testimony to Chaplain Franz’ exceptional leadership abilities,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Clellan said. “We look forward to General Franz’ continued positive impacts on Air National Guard readiness.”
Franz began his Air Force career in 1976, enlisting as an aircraft mechanic. Having excelled as an F-4 Phantom crew chief he received an ‘in-service’ appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs. He was commissioned and graduated with honors from the USAFA, June 2, 1982, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Franz served as a military pilot, accruing more than 1,700 flight hours, including duty in Italy and Panama.
After a break-in-service, Franz re-commissioned as a chaplain in the Colorado Air National Guard July 20, 2010. He served as the 140th Wing chaplain and then as the Joint Force Headquarters State Chaplain, where he served as the principal advisor to TAG and the Joint Staff on religious affairs and the impact of religion on joint and combined operations, as well as moral/ethical decision-making. He was also responsible for readiness and overall supervision of all Chaplain Corps members in the Colorado Military Department and was the coordinator for employment of Religious Support Teams in domestic operations and military engagements at the strategic and operational echelons.
Franz received federal recognition as colonel May 25, 2017.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small, socially-distanced group of CONG leaders and invited guests will observe the ceremony which will also be broadcast live via the CONG Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CONG1860.