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2nd Star for Brig. Gen. D. Todd Kelly, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, NCNG

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran
  • 145th Public Affairs
The North Carolina National Guard hosted a pinning ceremony for the promotion of Air National Guard General Officer, Air Force Brig. Gen. David "Todd" Kelly at the NCNG Joint Force Headquarters on March 7, 2014. Kelly was promoted to the rank of major general during a traditional ceremony as a second star was pinned on by his wife Mrs. Renee Kelly, son Mr. Jeremy Kelly and daughter Mrs. Shannon Murphy. Mrs. Melissa McElvin pinned insignia on Service Dress blues and Uncle, Tom Kelly, pinned rank on his flight cap.

Maj. Gen. Kelly graduated from North Carolina State University in 1981 and received an Air Force commission through the Air Force Officer Training Corps program there. After completion of pilot training, Kelly served in operational C-130 and C-21 assignments at Pope AFB, NC and Andrews AFB, MD prior to joining the North Carolina Air National Guard in 1989.

He was appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General -Air, JFHQ-NC from May 2011 until February 2014 serving as the primary advisor and Commander to the Adjutant General on all programs, strategic planning and operations affecting the NCANG. He also served as the A-5, Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Kelly is a command pilot with more than 5500 flying hours, in the T-37, T-38, C-21A, C-130B/E/H3 aircraft. In addition to several operational combat deployments, he also served as the Deputy Director of Mobility Forces, U.S. Central Command Combined Air and Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, from September 2006 through February 2007 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

After receiving his second star Maj. Gen. Kelly turned to the soldiers and airmen in the audience and gave advice to all by stating, "Take advantage of the opportunities that you have. Get out of your comfort zone and take on challenges. Take North Carolina National Guard forward."

Kelly, who will serve as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., will be responsible for advising the commander and staff on all issues impacting the ANG nationally.

"As I move forward in my new position," Kelly said, "I look forward to the opportunities to continue to be a part of my North Carolina family. Yes, I am a guardsman and will continue to be a North Carolina guardsman."