Brig. Gen. Augustus L. Collins is Named the Adjutant General of the MS National Guard

  • Published
  • By SSgt Ed Staton
  • 172d AW
January 11, 2012 --  With Governor Phil Bryant's announcement that the Mississippi National Guard is now under new leadership, Brigadier General Augustus L. Collins was introduced as the Adjutant General of Mississippi at a news conference held at the State's Military Department on January 11, 2012.

Collins succeeds Major General William L. Freeman Jr. as the commanding officer of Mississippi's forces that number more than 12,500 men and women who serve in the Mississippi Air and Army National Guard.

"I am so pleased to appoint Brigadier General Collins to this position," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "The men and women of our National Guard support our state during times of emergency and defend our nation during times of war, so it's crucial that our commanding officer be someone of great character."

Collins has held numerous staff and command positions during his military career and commanded the 155th Brigade Combat Team of the Mississippi National Guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. That mobilization was Mississippi's largest since World War II.

I thank Governor Bryant for the confidence he is displaying in me by this appointment." Brig. Gen. Collins said. "I am looking forward to working for and with the great soldiers and airmen of the Mississippi National Guard."

Collins has assumed his new leadership role following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Freeman who served as the Adjutant General of Mississippi for four years and is retiring after nearly 46 years of service in the Mississippi National Guard.