Statement on passing of former Adjutant General Al Wilkening

MADISON – It is with great sadness we share the passing of former Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General and Badger Air Community Council (BACC) Member Major General (Ret.) Al Wilkening.

An Air Force fighter pilot with over 3,300 flying hours, General Wilkening had a nearly 40-year distinguished career of military and community service. After five years of active duty in the United States Air Force, Wilkening joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 1973. From December 1990 to August 2002 he served as Deputy Adjutant General for Air, and Commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. In August 2003 he was appointed Adjutant General by Governor Scott McCallum and remained in that role to his retirement in 2007.

Chairman of the BACC Board of Directors Marvin Siegert released the following statement:

“Even after retirement, General Wilkening continued to support the Wisconsin National Guard in so many ways, including as an active member of the Badger Air Community Council continuing his advocacy for the men and women of the 115th Fighter Wing.  No matter what the issue, Gen Wilkening continually fought to better the lives of those servicemen and women he so much appreciated.”

BACC Executive Director Chris Arenz released the following statement:

“General Wilkening was an exemplary leader; a commander you were proud to follow and a consummate fighter pilot always acting with the utmost integrity.  He greeted Airmen and Soldiers with a reassuring smile, putting everyone around him at ease – a shining example of a military officer.  It was an honor to serve under his command.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat, Jessica, Allison and the rest of the Wilkening family.

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About the BACC:

The Badger Air Community Council (BACC) was formed in 2012 by former members of the 115^th Fighter Wing and business and civic leaders, to act as a liaison organization between the community and the Fighter Wing. The BACC supports the mission of the 115th Fighter Wing by educating the public on the economic and social benefits of having the unit based in Madison while highlighting the contributions made by the more than 1,200 Airmen who serve there.