Gov. Bruce Rauner has appointed a new commander of the Illinois Air National Guard.
Brigadier General Ronald E. Paul of Springfield will serve as assistant adjutant general upon the retirement of Major General William Cobetto of Hillsboro, Illinois.
The post commands about 3,000 members of the Air National Guard under Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Richard Hayes.
Rauner says Paul has led airmen for 27 years in operations around the world. He has shown leadership ability and skill in building partnerships.
Paul is currently deployed overseas with the U.S. Southern Command. He has been deployed as part of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Provide Comfort and Deny Flight. Paul is a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
