113th Wing commander promoted to brigadier general

  • Published
  • By Capt. Daniel Boothe
  • 113th Wing

Col. Keith G. MacDonald, commander, 113th Wing, District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG), was promoted to brigadier general during a promotion ceremony August 4, 2019 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. surrounded by many family, friends, mentors and airmen.

“This is an amazing day. A magnificent day,” said Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, commanding general, DCNG, who presided over the ceremony. He shared with those in attendance the significance and challenging hurdles of becoming a general. 

Before administering the Oath of Office, Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, adjutant general, DCNG, spoke at length about MacDonald’s outstanding reputation as a leader, especially in what he described as “commitment and self-denial.”

“Us, they, and we are the words he uses,” said Dean. “He never talks about himself but about others.”

Such was the case when newly promoted MacDonald took center stage to share some personal remarks. Rather than focus on what he described as this “pinnacle” personal moment, he shifted the focus to the many who had helped him along the way. 

“The four reasons for my success are faith, friends and family, mentors and each and every one of you airmen,” said MacDonald, citing many in the room by name while describing their outstanding qualities.     

Commissioned in 1991 as a distinguished graduate from the Reserve Officer Training Corps, MacDonald went on to earn distinguished graduate distinction as an undergraduate pilot trainee before flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for nine years. 

He joined the Air National Guard in 2001 where he flew the A-10 as an instructor and combat and search rescue pilot. 

In additional to his many staff assignments at the National Guard Bureau, Air National Guard Readiness Center, and the District of Columbia Air National Guard, he deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, flying combat sortie operations and serving in the U.S. Central Command Joint Operations Center.  

Reflecting on the challenges and successes of his career, MacDonald emphasized that he wasn’t flying solo. 

“I worked hard to get here but you don’t get here by yourself,” said MacDonald.