PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. -- Brig. Gen. Paul N. Hutchinson, commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General (ATAG) retired from here January 6, 2018.
During Hutchinson’s more than 36 year career, he amassed more than 2,700 flying hours, and held commanding positions for more than 20 years.
Brig. Gen. Laurie Farris assumed command from Hutchinson prior to his retirement and thanked him for his leadership and mentorship throughout the years.
During an interview about the leadership transition, Farris talked about how the New Hampshire ANG is a stronger force because of him.
“He’s a very focused, determined, and strategic thinker,” said Farris “If he believes in something, he’s going to really stand firm. He knows how to get the most out of people and really pushes them. He took this Wing to another level.”
During his speech about Hutchinson, Brig. Gen. David Mikolaities, the adjutant general of the New Hampshire National Guard, referred to an episode of Band of Brothers, a historical miniseries set during World War II, in which a junior officer saluted a senior officer due to his rank, and not the man behind the rank.
“I can honestly say, after 36 years, we’re saluting the man and not the rank,” said Mikolaities.
Hutchinson talked about the Airmen and how they are the driving force behind the New Hampshire ANG.
“If you ever doubt the importance of what you do here in the wing, please remember you are supporting the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers of those patriots like you who raised their right hand and swore an oath to support and defend this nation and state,” said Hutchinson. “What you do is vitally important, it is important to me, it is important to our nation, and especially important to our warriors on the ground. You are important, without you nothing happens. Airpower brings hope to our soldiers, sailors and marines.”
Hutchinson concluded his speech with thanking the Airmen for all of their motivation and enthusiasm throughout his years of service.