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| Resources > Biographies > Col. John J. Higgins |
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Colonel John J. Higgins
Col. John J. Higgins is the Commander of the 107th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, Niagara Falls, New York. He assists in commanding the 107th AW, encompassing Operations, Maintenance, Medical and Mission Support Group functions. Col. Higgins is responsible for the deployment and employment of assigned personnel and equipment to ensure these assets are available to support all state and national requirements.
Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Air National Guard (ANG) Advisor to AFSOC and the ANG Advisor to HAF/A8X, Total Force Initiatives. During his tour at the National Guard Bureau, Col. Higgins was the Chief of ANG/A3Z responsible for all ANG unit mission conversions. He also served as the Director, ANG Crisis Action Team; Director, NGB Patriot Exercise; and Deputy Division Chief, ANG Exercises and Deployments where he supervised the mobilization of over 35,000 ANG personnel in the Global War on Terror.
EDUCATION:
1982 Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Buffalo State College, NY
1987 Squadron Officers School, In-Residence
1991 Master of Public Administration, Troy State University, AL
1999 Air Command and Staff College
2004 Air War College
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. 1983-1984, Undergraduate Navigator Training
2. 1985-1987, F-4C Weapons Systems Officer, 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Hickam AFB, HI
3. 1987-1991, F-111E Instructor WSO, Chief of Training, Wing Plans Officer, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Upper Heyford, UK
4. 1991-1997, C-130E/H Navigator, Winner -1996 AMC Rodeo "Best Airdrop Crew" Competition, 914th Airlift Wing, Niagara Falls, NY
5. 1997-2001, MC-130E Navigator, Chief Current Operations, Flight Commander, AFSOC IG, 8th Special Operations Squadron & AFSOC HQs, Hurlburt Field, FL
6. 2001-2002, LC-130H, Chief of Scheduling, 109th Airlift Wing, Scotia, NY
7. 2002-2006, Director of ANG CAT, Director of Patriot Exercise, Deputy Chief ANG Exercise and Deployments Division, Andrews AFB, MD
8. 2006-2007, Chief, NGB Conversion Action Group, Arlington, VA
9. 2007-2009, ANG Advisor to HAF/A8X, Total Force Initiatives, Arlington, VA
10. 2009-2011, ANG Advisor to AFSOC, Hurlburt Field, FL
11.2011- 2013, Vice Commander, 107th AW, Niagara Falls, NY
12. 2013 - Present, Commander, 107th AW, Niagara Falls, NY
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Rating: Master Navigator
Flight Hours: Over 3,500
Aircraft Flown: F-4C/D, F-111A/E, C-130E/H, MC-130E, LC-130H
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (5 devices)
Aerial Achievement medal (2 devices)
Air Force Commendation Medal (1 device)
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit with Valor Ribbon (3 devices)
Combat Readiness Medal (5 devices)
National Defense Service Medal (1 device)
Antarctica Service medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1 device)
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal (1 device)
Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon Long (1 device)
Air Force Longevity Service Award (6 devices)
Small Arms Expert Ribbon (1 device)
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Air Force Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant July 1, 1983
First Lieutenant July 1, 1985
Captain July 1, 1987
Major Sep 1, 1996
Lieutenant Colonel Oct 4, 2002
Colonel Aug 2, 2006
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