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Former 188th member takes reins as Arkansas National Guard adjutant general

  • Published
  • 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark. --  Maj. Gen. Mark H. Berry assumed the title of The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard from Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford during a change of command ceremony at Camp Joseph T. Robinson Feb. 7, 2015.

Berry enlisted in the Air Force in 1974. He obtained his commission in 1985 after attending Officer Training School. After serving on active duty for 18 years, Berry separated and joined the Arkansas Air National Guard's then-188th Fighter Group. He has held a variety of key positions while a member of the Arkansas Air National Guard.

Berry's most recent position was chief of staff, Arkansas Air National Guard, Arkansas Joint Force Headquarters. Before being promoted to brigadier general, Berry served as 188th Maintenance Group commander at the 188th Wing for more than 10 years. He was instrumental in the 188th's conversion from F-16C Falcons to A-10A and later A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs". At the Fort Smith, Arkansas-based wing, he also served as 188th Mission Support Group commander, 188th Communications Flight commander and wing public affairs officer.
Berry is the first Airman to hold the position of Arkansas National Guard adjutant general in almost 50 years.

"I accept this role with great honor and humility," Berry said during the ceremony. "I take this post knowing I follow in the footsteps of someone very special, but I will work as hard as you do to make this change rewarding."

Wofford served as adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard for eight years. He began his career with the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1975. He served in myriad command stations throughout his service including 5th Battalion, 206th Field Artillery, and 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery during Operation Desert Storm. Wofford became adjutant general in February 2007. During his service as adjutant general, more than 8,166 Arkansas National Guardsmen were deployed and more than 486 state emergencies were responded to.

"It is a sincere honor for me to be a part of this team, and it is with great pride that I entrust [Maj.] Gen. Berry with this professional military organization," Wofford. "I am honored, privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to help lead this most awesome group of military professionals, our citizen soldiers and airmen."

Among the many distinguished guests attending the ceremony was Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson. As the state's governor, Hutchinson holds the title of commander in chief of the Arkansas National Guard. Therefore, the adjutant general acts as the liaison between the service members and the governor.

"It is important that I am here today as governor for this change of command ceremony, but also to recognize the leadership of [Maj.] Gen. William Wofford," Hutchinson said. "I personally want to express my appreciation for his leadership and extraordinary record of accomplishment as adjutant general."

Former 188th member takes reins as Arkansas National Guard adjutant general

  • Published
  • 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark. --  Maj. Gen. Mark H. Berry assumed the title of The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard from Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford during a change of command ceremony at Camp Joseph T. Robinson Feb. 7, 2015.

Berry enlisted in the Air Force in 1974. He obtained his commission in 1985 after attending Officer Training School. After serving on active duty for 18 years, Berry separated and joined the Arkansas Air National Guard's then-188th Fighter Group. He has held a variety of key positions while a member of the Arkansas Air National Guard.

Berry's most recent position was chief of staff, Arkansas Air National Guard, Arkansas Joint Force Headquarters. Before being promoted to brigadier general, Berry served as 188th Maintenance Group commander at the 188th Wing for more than 10 years. He was instrumental in the 188th's conversion from F-16C Falcons to A-10A and later A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs". At the Fort Smith, Arkansas-based wing, he also served as 188th Mission Support Group commander, 188th Communications Flight commander and wing public affairs officer.
Berry is the first Airman to hold the position of Arkansas National Guard adjutant general in almost 50 years.

"I accept this role with great honor and humility," Berry said during the ceremony. "I take this post knowing I follow in the footsteps of someone very special, but I will work as hard as you do to make this change rewarding."

Wofford served as adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard for eight years. He began his career with the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1975. He served in myriad command stations throughout his service including 5th Battalion, 206th Field Artillery, and 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery during Operation Desert Storm. Wofford became adjutant general in February 2007. During his service as adjutant general, more than 8,166 Arkansas National Guardsmen were deployed and more than 486 state emergencies were responded to.

"It is a sincere honor for me to be a part of this team, and it is with great pride that I entrust [Maj.] Gen. Berry with this professional military organization," Wofford. "I am honored, privileged and humbled to have had the opportunity to help lead this most awesome group of military professionals, our citizen soldiers and airmen."

Among the many distinguished guests attending the ceremony was Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson. As the state's governor, Hutchinson holds the title of commander in chief of the Arkansas National Guard. Therefore, the adjutant general acts as the liaison between the service members and the governor.

"It is important that I am here today as governor for this change of command ceremony, but also to recognize the leadership of [Maj.] Gen. William Wofford," Hutchinson said. "I personally want to express my appreciation for his leadership and extraordinary record of accomplishment as adjutant general."