Gov. Jack Markell honored Delaware National Guard Adjutant General Frank Vavala Saturday as he prepares to retire from his post.
Markell promoted Vavala, who announced he’s retiring at the end of the month, from Major General to Lt. General.
The promotion came as part of the Delaware National Guard’s 18th Annual Senior Leaders Conference in Dover. Over 500 guard soldiers and airmen on hand to discuss the Guard’s future also saw Vavala receive the Order of the First State from Markell. That’s the state’s highest individual honor.
Governor-elect John Carney used the occasion to announce his choice to replace Vavala. He’s tapped Brig. Gen. Carol Timmons to become Adjutant General. Timmons will be Delaware’s first female Adjutant General. She’s currently the Assistant Adjutant General of the Delaware Air National Guard.
The Delaware National Guard consists of 1,700 soldiers in the Army Guard and 1,100 airmen in the Air Guard.
