Incoming Vermont Guard Leader Says Fiscal Challenges Foremost

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Credit USAF

Vermont Air National Guard Brigadier General Steven Cray is going to be the state's next adjutant general. Cray says it's an honor to be elected to the top post in the Vermont National Guard, but he's taking office at a challenging time.

Cray will assume command on March 1, the day the Department of Defense is scheduled to implement drastic cuts in military operations because of the so-called budget sequestration ordered by Congress.

Cray was elected overwhelmingly Thursday to the post by a joint assembly of the Vermont Legislature.

He's a 30-year veteran of the Vermont Air National Guard and a veteran F-16 fighter pilot.

Cray says he hopes the Air Force will choose to base the F-35 fighter jet at the Burlington International Airport. He says it would ensure the guard has an important mission for 30 to 40 years.

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