Air National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke retired in December after more than 34 years of service, according to a release. Clarke began his Air Force career in 1981 as a distinguished graduate of the University of Georgia ROTC program and graduated from A-10 pilot training in 1983. He served in several positions in the Alabama Air National Guard, as well as at the Pentagon, Bagram AB, Afghanistan, Tyndall AFB, Fla., and in Ankara, Turkey. “I always wanted to be a fighter pilot, I just wasn’t sure someone would give me the chance,” Clarke said at his retirement ceremony. “I can vividly recall flying at 100 feet over the swamps of Carolina in brand-new A-10s, and squeezing the trigger on a 30mm cannon for the first time. And I can still play scenes in my head of avoiding anti-aircraft artillery over Iraq in F-16s.” Clarke flew more than 4,000 hours in aircraft, including the A-10, F-16, and C-26, according to the release. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Mosley led the ceremony. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Mosley led the ceremony. The Air Force has not yet named Clarke’s replacement. Maj. Gen. Brian Neal, previously appointed as ANG deputy director, will serve as the acting director.
Dick Cheney’s Legacy with the Air Force
Nov. 6, 2025
Dick Cheney, who died Nov. 3 at 84, is best remembered by most Americans as among the most powerful Vice Presidents in history, a consummate Washington insider who had previously served in the Nixon administration, was Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, a Congressman for a decade, and Secretary…
