Gronewold now commands the Oregon National Guard

By on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

News release from the Oregon Military Department:

SALEM – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek served as the Presiding Officer for Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold’s appointment as The Adjutant General (TAG) of the Oregon National Guard, during an Investiture Ceremony held at Salem, Oregon on November 28, 2023. Governor Kotek appointed Gronewold to the position in October. 

The ceremony took place at the Oregon State Library with family, friends and members of the Oregon National Guard, including former Adjutants General Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. (Fred) Rees (of Helix), and Maj. Gen. (ret.) Michael E. Stencel. 

Governor Kotek provided remarks and then administered the oath for Brig. Gen. Gronewold. 

“The Oregon National Guard has distinguished itself many times over in its service to our state in times of need, dedication to supporting federal missions, and commitment to continued excellence in training and readiness for the greatest of challenges,” Governor Kotek said. “I am confident that Brig. Gen. Gronewold will continue and expand upon this legacy.”

Photo: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek administers the Oath of Office for Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold during the Investiture Ceremony held at the Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon on Nov. 28, 2023. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gronewold was sworn into the office as The Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Editor’s note: On his way up the ladder, Gen. Gronewold played an important role in Pendleton and is credited with being the first to mention the city should explore the possibility of becoming a UAS test range. For almost a decade he was the commander of Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 in Pendleton. He left Pendleton to become the commander of the Second Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment in Salem.