MINNEAPOLIS - Air Force Col. Sandra Best was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during a pinning ceremony Thursday in Minneapolis. Best is the first woman to achieve the rank in the Minnesota National Guard.
"I congratulate Colonel Sandra L. Best for her well-deserved promotion to the rank of Brigadier General," said Governor Mark Dayton. "Colonel Best has proven her deep commitment to our state and country through her many years of dedicated service in the Minnesota National Guard. Her accomplishments as a leader in our Armed Forces should be celebrated by all Minnesotans."
Originally from Minneapolis, Best joined the 133rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard in 1984, as a Personnel Specialist and progressed through the enlisted ranks to Technical Sergeant. Best has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Brig. Gen. Best will serve as the Chief of Staff, Minnesota Air National Guard, responsible for command supervision, oversight and leadership of the 133rd Airlift Wing and 148th Fighter Wing to include all items pertaining to manning, operations, readiness, training and equipping of units in the Minnesota Air National Guard.