FOR RELEASE: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs office, 720-250-1053, or email ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@army.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo.— The Colorado National Guard will say farewell to current Director of Joint Staff U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael J. Bruno at a retirement ceremony at Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, at 1 p.m., Dec. 6, 2025.
The 44th Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan is the presiding official and will be joined by Colorado National Guard senior leaders and dignitaries from the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“Under General Bruno’s leadership, Colorado National Guard Soldiers and Airmen protected our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, blizzards, and large wildfires including the Marshal Fire, the most destructive in our state’s history,” The 45th Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen. Robert Davis said. “He also strengthened our national security by growing and expanding our State Partnership Program. General Bruno leaves a legacy that will endure for many years to come.”
Bruno has served as Director of Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Colorado, and commander of the standing Joint Task Force-Centennial. As such, Bruno is responsible for leading the CONG’s response to domestic events as directed by the Governor.
Additionally, he directs the CONG’s specified National Guard state partnerships, including those with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Swiss Confederation.
In his civilian capacity, Bruno serves as the Deputy Executive Director for the DMVA which assists military members, veterans, and their families to access benefits and services that they have earned and deserve and provides a statewide training resource for Colorado’s network of State and County Veterans Service Officers. He also acts as the primary deputy to the adjutant general for all state matters.
Bruno began his military career by enlisting in the Nebraska Air National Guard in May 1985. He transferred to the Colorado Air National Guard in May 1991 and attained the rank of master sergeant.
He received his commission through the ANG’s Academy of Military Science in 1998.
Bruno has commanded twice at both the squadron and group levels, most recently as commander of the 233rd Space Group, Greeley Air National Guard Station, Greeley, Colorado. Bruno also served as Chief of Staff – Air, COANG.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters.
The retirement ceremony is closed to the public.
For more than 165 years, the men and women of the CONG have served our nation in wartime and as the first military responders in support of civil authorities during state emergencies. The CONG’s 5,500 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are Always Ready, Always There.