Delaware's adjutant general receives surprise promotion

On one of his last days as governor and commander in chief of the Delaware National Guard, Gov. Jack Markell surprised Adjutant General Frank Vavala on Saturday with a field promotion to lieutenant general.

Vavala’s surprise promotion – from major general – was part of the Delaware National Guard’s 18th annual Senior Leaders Conference, which was held at Dover Downs. More than 500 soldiers and airmen from the National Guard attended the conference to discuss the future of the Guard.

"You've heard me fire him more times than you can probably remember because he gets more applause in this state than I do. Frank Vavala is one of the most popular guys in the state of Delaware," Markell said on Saturday. "He has so much passion for the Delaware National Guard. His passion is unmatched and his commitment to the people of this organization is real and inspirational."

Incoming commander in chief and Gov.-elect John Carney greeted Vavala on stage Saturday morning and said he has enjoyed working with Vavala as a congressman for six years and was sorry that relationship won't continue as the 74th governor of Delaware.

"For the past 18 years, this state has been lucky to have him as the leader of the Delaware National Guard," Carney said.

Carney announced Vavala's replacement as well, telling National Guard leadership that Brig. Gen. Carol Timmons would take the reins upon Vavala's retirement later this month.

Vavala also was presented with the Order of the First State, an honor rarely bestowed, said an emotional Gov. Markell.

"This guy is special, and I'm honored to give him this award," said Markell before he promoted Vavala. "It's been a real privilege and honor working with him as governor of this state."

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Vavala, who announced his retirement effective Jan. 31, believes the Delaware National Guard will continue to play an important role in the state, both as soldiers and ambassadors.

Delaware’s adjutant general outlined the mission of the Delaware National Guard during a recent gathering of business and civic leaders from across Kent County and said the unit stands ready for anything.

Vavala said that the 1,700 soldiers in the Army Guard and 1,100 airmen in the Air Guard not only are involved in military construction projects that bring a positive economic impact to the state’s economy but also have been called upon for deployment. More than 95 percent of the Delaware National Guard has been sent overseas the last five years.

He reiterated that during Saturday's leadership conference.

“This conference is an opportunity for our leaders to engage in a national discussion, network and evaluate our force to prepare for the future,” Vavala said.

Vavala assumed duties as Delaware’s adjutant general on Feb. 1, 1999, after serving as assistant adjutant general, Delaware Army National Guard. He is responsible for the mission readiness of all Delaware National Guard units for both federal and state missions.

Born on June 28, 1947, in Wilmington, he enlisted in the Delaware National Guard in March 1967.

He was commissioned as a signal officer in June 1970 after completing the Delaware Military Academy Officer Candidate School.

Before this assignment, Vavala served as the commander of the 72nd Troop Command, deputy commander, state area command and assistant adjutant general of the Delaware Army National Guard.

General Vavala received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Wilmington College, and before his appointment as adjutant general, he was a marketing services supervisor for the DuPont Co. in Wilmington.

Vavala and his wife, Jane, reside in New Castle and have a son, two daughters and three grandchildren.

In nearly 50 years of military service, Vavala has held key command and staff positions within the National Guard. He has earned numerous federal and state military awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Delaware Medal for Military Merit and the Delaware Medal for aid to Civil Authorities.

Vavala’s civic affiliations include the National Guard Association of the United States, where he is a former chairman and member of the board of directors; Adjutants General Association of the United States, where he served as president; St. Anthony of Padua Church; the American Legion; and Sons of the American Revolution.

The adjutant general has made special appearances at functions and events across the state and has helped numerous organizations.

In December, Vavala served as chief cookie tester for 25 students from the Middletown High School Culinary Arts program, who baked more than 600 cookies for military members serving overseas. The effort was a part of Operation Cookie Drop Off, sponsored by the American Legion Post 25 and its auxiliary unit. It was Vavala’s second year participating in the event.

Reach Jerry Smith at jsmith17@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JerrySmithTNJ.