June 19, 2018, Washington—Brig. Gen. Randal Efferson has been honored with the 2018 Military Leadership Award from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) presented the award to Efferson at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., during the 2018 Defense Communities National Summit.Efferson serves as Chief of Staff for the Alabama Air National Guard, a promotion he received last December following his service as Wing Commander of the 187th Fighter Wing, an F-16 unit at Montgomery Air National Guard Base/Dannelly Field Guard Station, which was one of two bases selected to host a squadron of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
He places a high priority on forging and maintaining strong relationships and frequent, open communication with the communities surrounding the base and public officials, ADC President Bill Parry said.
“Alabamans have long known Brig. Gen. Efferson as a leader who helps shape their state’s military missions through collaboration, technical expertise and a good-natured spirit,” Parry said. “We are proud to honor him for his successes in strengthening the bonds among the Air National Guard, the Air Force, military families and the community.”
ADC’s award acknowledges Efferson’s many other accomplishments as well. He was influential in the enactment of a new law that provides 100 percent of tuition assistance for every member of the Alabama Air National Guard. He has also tirelessly saluted and promoted the history of the 187th, including one of the all-black Tuskegee Airmen squadrons that flew with distinction in World War II.
“Another important factor in our success was Gen. Efferson’s steadfast embrace of the proud legacy of the 100th fighter squadron of Tuskegee Airmen,” Montgomery, Ala., mayor Todd Strange said. “He worked diligently to incorporate the airmen’s continuing story into the 187th’s history.”
ADC (www.defensecommunities.org) builds resilient communities that support America’s military. It is the nation’s leading association representing communities and states with a significant military presence and their partner organizations. It unites the diverse interests of communities, states, the private sector and the military on issues such as protecting defense infrastructure, community-military partnerships, defense real estate, mission growth, base redevelopment, and support for military families and veterans.
