Ohio Air National Guard welcomes two new senior leaders
The Ohio Air National Guard recently conducted two ceremonies to mark significant leadership changes within the organization.
Chief Master Sgt. Edward N. Taylor III officially assumed his duties as state command chief master sergeant during a Nov. 7 ceremony, taking over for Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor, who retired. Col. Chad E. Holesko, new deputy assistant adjutant general for Air, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a Nov. 13 ceremony. Both events took place at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus.
The state command chief is the principal enlisted advisor to senior Ohio Air National Guard leadership responsible for matters influencing the health, morale and welfare of the organization’s assigned enlisted Airmen and their Families.
Most recently, Edward Taylor was the command chief master sergeant at the 179th Cyberspace Wing in Mansfield, Ohio. His military career actually began in the Ohio Army National Guard, joining in 1990 as an aircraft armament technician for the AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter. He transitioned to the Air National Guard in May 1999, becoming a KC-135R crew chief.
Taylor has served in a multitude of roles throughout his career and has deployed several times in support of overseas missions dating back to Operation Desert Shield. He also was part of the Ohio National Guard’s humanitarian mission in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Troy Taylor was the 12th state command chief master sergeant of the Ohio Air National Guard until his retirement. His career started as a security specialist in April 1996, and he has deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Coronet Oak, Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support. During these deployments, he planned, led, and executed security operations, combat missions, and humanitarian aid in support of national interests across the globe. As a result, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
The deputy assistant adjutant general for Air is responsible for helping direct Air National Guard operations in support of state and federal missions and establishing policy to ensure the readiness of more than 5,000 personnel stationed at four wings, and multiple geographically separated support units throughout Ohio.
Holesko began his military career in 1999 when he was commissioned through the U.S. Air Force Academy. He joined the Ohio Air National Guard in 2008 after eight years of active- duty service in the Air Force. Holesko has held diverse leadership positions including commanding at the squadron, group, and wing levels. Holesko has deployed in support of Operations Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Atlantic Resolve.