Balskus to be promoted in St Augustine Friday

Brigadier General Joseph G Balskus will surrender command of the Florida Air National Guard tomorrow afternoon; receiving a promotion to the rank of Major General and a transfer to Washington DC to continue his service as the Military Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff.

Balskus is being promoted to Strategic Plans and Programs, and will be assigned to United States Air Force Headquarters.

During a 4:00 p.m. ceremony being held at the St Francis Barracks Parade Field on Friday, Florida National Guard Public Affairs Specialist SFC Blair Heusdens reported to Historic City News that the Florida Air National Guard will welcome Brig. Gen. Robert M. Branyon as its new commander.

Branyon most recently served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Air National Guard. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, he received his commission from the US Air Force Academy in June 1982. Branyon is a command pilot with more than 3,525 flight hours in the T-37, T-38B, F-4C/D/E, F-5E, the F-15A/B/C/D and the F-16A/B/C/D.

If you would like to attend, all events will take place at Florida National Guard Headquarters located at 82 Marine Street in St Augustine.