Lexington, KY—Today, Major General (R) Donald C. Storm, U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Edward Tonini, and Major General (R) Stephen Hogan, all former Adjutant Generals of the Kentucky National Guard, endorsed Andy Barr to be the next Senator from Kentucky. A former member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Barr received the Charles Dick Medal of Merit award, the highest distinction given to lawmakers for advocacy of the National Guard.
Barr has been a consistent champion for pay raises for military members, including the largest pay increase for enlisted servicemembers in modern history (14.5% increase in the latest National Defense Authorization Act). Barr voted for the PACT Act and the Blue Water Navy Act, both of which became law and extended long-denied VA disability benefits for veterans of the Global War on Terrorism and Vietnam War who developed medical issues from toxic exposure during their military service. Barr was also instrumental in the delivery of multiple C-130J’s to the Kentucky National Guard.
“Andy Barr’s legislative record in support of the United States military and the veteran community is unsurpassed. His consistent, efficient and sustaining effort on behalf of service members and their families has been invaluable. The record of delivering improved benefits, including education and healthcare, and providing and supporting effective successful initiatives concerning increased Force Readiness Posture speaks for itself. These reasons underpin my endorsement and total support for Andy Barr to become Kentucky’s next US Senator,” said General Storm.
“Kentucky needs a Senator who understands the military mission, readiness, and role that our Kentucky National Guard plays. Andy Barr doesn’t just understand our mission, he’s helped us achieve it,” said General Tonini. “He worked hard in Congress delivering the C-130J’s Kentucky needed to modernize our mission, and he’s been with us no matter who was Commander-in-Chief to ensure we had the resources necessary to recruit, retain, and achieve our mission. I’m proud to endorse him for Senate.”
“Senator Andy Barr will be a great one for Kentucky’s National Guard,” said General Hogan. “We don’t need to wonder what he will do for us if he’s our Senator, we just need to look at his record of results. Senator Barr will help us achieve our mission but also take care of our soldiers, airmen, and all military members throughout the Commonwealth and across this country. I fully endorse Andy Barr for Senate.”
“I’m honored to receive the endorsements of General Storm, General Tonini, and General Hogan,” said Congressman Barr. “As the grandson of two World War II veterans, I’ve always had deep respect and admiration for all our military servicemembers. In the U.S. Senate, I’ll take my advocacy for our active-duty regular military, Reserve, and National Guard to the next level. I’ll always fight for our military because they have fought for us.”
General Storm was appointed Kentucky’s Adjutant General in 2003. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, General Storm’s career in the U.S. Army spanned over three decades, where he served as an Infantry Officer and commanded or served as staff officer at the company, battalion, brigade, and state headquarters level before being appointed Adjutant General. He is a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Army Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), in addition to many other military accolades.
General Tonini was appointed Kentucky’s 51st Adjutant General (2007 – 2015). A graduate of Bellarmine University, General Tonini began his military career in 1969 in the Kentucky Air National Guard and served for nearly five decades. Over the course of his career, he held numerous leadership roles including Chief of Staff of the Kentucky Air National Guard before being appointed Adjutant General. He was elected President of the Adjutants General Association of the United States (AGAUS). He is a recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters) and other military awards.
General Hogan was appointed Kentucky’s 52nd Adjutant General in 2015. A graduate of Morehead State University and the U.S. Army War College, General Hogan served more than three decades in the Kentucky Army National Guard. He commanded at multiple levels and previously served as Assistant Adjutant General before being appointed Adjutant General. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and other military decorations during his time of service.
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