The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee has unanimously approved the promotion of four Pennsylvania National Guard officers to the rank of Brigadier General. The promotions, recommended by committee chairman Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), include Col. Brett J. Gagnon, Col. Robert S. Noren, Col. Brad W. Pierson, and Col. John M. Wenzel.
Col. Gagnon transferred to the PA National Guard in 2000 and has served in operations Iraqi Freedom and Spartan Shield in Kuwait, as well as assisted with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Louisiana. He currently resides in Berks County and serves as chief adviser on information systems management.
Col. Noren was commissioned into the Air Force in 1993 and is a master navigator with over 50 combat missions flown in various operations including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He commands the 193rd Special Operations Wing based in Middletown.
Col. Pierson enlisted in the PA National Guard in 1999 and has served overseas in multiple operations including Joint Force (Bosnia) and stateside on the southwest border. His current role is chief of joint staff for military operations.
Col. Wenzel was commissioned after attending Villanova University and currently leads the 166th Regiment at Fort Indiantown Gap’s Regional Training Institute.
Senator Mastriano expressed gratitude for their service: “All told, these four officers have a combined 115 years of service to our National Guard,” he said, highlighting their commitment alongside their families’ sacrifices.
In addition to these promotions, several legislative measures were advanced by the committee:
Senate Resolution 116 urges Congress to address House Resolution 2102 related to benefits for medically retired veterans with combat-related disabilities.
House Bill 304 aims to extend state benefits to Korean Army veterans residing in Pennsylvania who served during the Vietnam War.
House Bill 797 seeks to remove restrictions on remarriage for spouses under Second-Class City Firemen Relief Law pensions.
House Bill 799 mandates workplace postings about essential veterans benefit legislation.
House Bill 865 ensures educational benefits for re-enlisting PA National Guard members through either Educational Assistant Program or Military Family Education Program benefits each time they re-enlist.
These bills and resolutions will now proceed to full Senate consideration along with officer nominations.
