New commander takes over for New York Air National Guard

ALBANY, N.Y. — The next leader of the New York Air National Guard is taking command of the statewide military organization this week.

Officials at the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs based in suburban Albany say Brig. Gen. Anthony German of Oneonta takes over command of the Air Guard's nearly 6,000 members Monday.

German replaces Maj. Gen. Verle (verl) Johnston, who retired earlier this month after commanding the Air National Guard since 2012.

German is a former commander of the 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base outside Schenectady. He's being promoted to major general as he takes over duties as commander of the nation's largest Air National Guard.

German joined the New York Air National Guard in 1989. Two of his four children are members of the 109th Airlift Wing.

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