Craig R. McKinley
Craig R. McKinley | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2008 | |
| Birth name | Craig Richard McKinley |
| Born | May 6, 1952 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Service | |
| Years of service | 1974–2012 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | National Guard Bureau |
| Commands | Chief of the National Guard Bureau First Air Force 125th Fighter Wing |
| Wars | Global War on Terrorism |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit |
| Other work | President of the Air Force Association |
Craig Richard McKinley (born May 6, 1952) is a retired United States Air Force general who served as the 26th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, serving from 2008 to 2012. He is the first officer from the National Guard to achieve the grade of a four-star general.
Prior to becoming chief, he served as the Director, Air National Guard from May 2006 to November 17, 2008. He retired after being succeeded by Frank J. Grass on September 7, 2012. At the ceremony where he transferred authority to his successor, McKinley received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal. McKinley's official retirement date was November 1, 2012.