FOR RELEASE: Friday, Oct. 13 , 2023
CONTACT: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chance Johnson, 720-847-9435, 140wg.pa.org@us.af.mil
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul E. Franz, former Colorado National Guard State Chaplain and the only Air National Guard chaplain serving as a general officer, will retire at a ceremony honoring his 22 years of service to community, state, and nation at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight, Centennial, Colorado, Oct. 15, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
A traditional howitzer salute will take place to honor Franz’s distinguished service.
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 to achieve maximum operational synergy with Active Duty forces.
“Chaplain Franz has served his state and nation in many capacities throughout his military career and has been an example of the almost endless ways in which the military can help a person reach their fullest potential,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Clellan said. ”What a better way to end this robust career than by having the distinct and unique privilege of becoming a general officer in the Chaplain Corps. Your hard work and dedication call for a well-deserved retirement.”
Franz began his USAF 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.
Franz 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.
Director of the Air National Guard U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, a Colorado Guardsman who promoted Franz to the rank of brigadier general, will also attend the ceremony.
Live feed of ceremony available here: https://fb.me/e/2WxQ1MksZ