Ohio Air National Guard Welcomes Two New Senior Leaders

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Air National Guard marked significant leadership changes with two recent ceremonies welcoming new senior leaders at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus.

Chief Master Sgt. Edward N. Taylor III officially assumed duties as state command chief master sergeant during a Nov. 7, 2025, ceremony. He succeeds Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor, who retired after serving as the organization’s 12th state command chief.

As state command chief, Edward Taylor serves as the principal enlisted advisor to senior Ohio Air National Guard leadership, overseeing matters that affect the health, morale, and welfare of enlisted Airmen and their Families statewide.

Taylor most recently served as command chief master sergeant of the 179th Cyberspace Wing in Mansfield. His military career began in 1990 with the Ohio Army National Guard as an aircraft armament technician for the AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter. He transitioned to the Ohio Air National Guard in 1999 as a KC-135R crew chief and has since served in numerous leadership roles. His service includes multiple overseas deployments dating back to Operation Desert Shield, as well as participation in the Ohio National Guard’s humanitarian response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Troy Taylor retired following a career that began in 1996 as a security specialist. He deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Coronet Oak, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Resolute Support. During those missions, he planned and led security operations, combat missions, and humanitarian aid efforts worldwide, earning honors that include the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

In a separate ceremony on Nov. 13, 2025, Col. Chad E. Holesko was promoted to the rank of brigadier general upon assuming duties as deputy assistant adjutant general for Air.

In this role, Holesko helps direct Ohio Air National Guard operations in support of both state and federal missions. He also assists in establishing policy to ensure the readiness of more than 5,000 Airmen assigned to four wings and multiple geographically separated support units across Ohio.

Holesko began his military career in 1999 after commissioning through the U.S. Air Force Academy. He joined the Ohio Air National Guard in 2008 following eight years of active-duty Air Force service. Throughout his career, he has served in a wide range of leadership positions, including command at the squadron, group, and wing levels, and has deployed in support of overseas operations.

Ohio Air National Guard leaders say the appointments reflect continued commitment to readiness, leadership development, and mission success at home and abroad.