Air Guard’s Eifert promoted to brigadier general

Col. James Eifert (center) is promoted to the rank of brigadier general and officially "pinned" by his wife Beth and the Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. during a ceremony in St. Augustine, Fla., Feb. 8, 2013. Concurrently Eifert assumed the position of Assistant Adjutant General for Air and Deputy Commander of the Florida Air National Guard. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2013) – One of the Florida Air National Guard’s top leaders received his general’s star today, adding another milestone to his 30-year military career.

Col. James Eifert was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a military ceremony at the historic St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine. Concurrently Eifert assumed the position of Assistant Adjutant General for Air and Deputy Commander of the Florida Air National Guard. He most recently served as the Commander of the Jacksonville-based 125th Fighter Wing.

During the promotion ceremony Eifert was officially “pinned” with brigadier general’s rank by his wife Beth and the Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr.

Eifert, a resident of Fleming Island, began his military career in the U.S. Air Force in 1982, and has served in various leadership positions with the Florida Air National Guard since 1996. He is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flight hours.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve in my new role with the Florida Air National Guard and continue my service to our state and nation,” Eifert stated in note on Friday.

In his new roles he will help lead the nearly 2,000 men and women serving statewide in the Florida Air National Guard.

Eifert added: “I am proud of the Florida National Guard and the value that we bring to both the State of Florida and the United States of America, as we continue to conduct a war on terrorism, provide a strong defense against potential aggressors, defend the Southeastern U.S., and come to the aid of our fellow citizens during times of natural and man-made disasters.”

Brig. Gen. Eifert will participate in an official change of command ceremony for the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville on Sunday, when he will pass the reins of the Air National Guard unit to Col. Brian Simpler.

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