Brig. Gen. Erik A. Peterson is Wisconsin’s interim deputy adjutant general for Air. As such, he serves as the chief advisor to the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to Air National Guard programs, policies, operations, management and command and control of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

He also provides staff assistance guidance and direction concerning Air National Guard personnel, administration, training, recruiting and retention incentives, and budgetary matters. Brig. Gen. Peterson is responsible for more than 2,300 Wisconsin Air National

Guard personnel serving in two flying wings and a Combat Readiness Training Center at Volk Field Air National Guard Base.

Brig. Gen. Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at United States Air Force Academy in 1991. He earned a master’s degree in aeronautical and aviation technology at the Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University in 2000. He completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base by correspondence, Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and Air War College at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force base by correspondence.

Brig. Gen. Peterson received his commission through the Air Force Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in August, 1991. General Peterson earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991. His career began with pilot training, followed by working as a maintenance officer and flying duties at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. He then became an instructor and evaluator pilot for the 18th Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska and the 34th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Brig. Gen. Peterson’s previous commands include the 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq, 176th Fighter Squadron, 115th Fighter Wing Operations Group, 115th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group and the 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin. He assumed his current rank Aug. 17, 2020.

Prior to his current position, he was the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s chief of staff. Brig. Gen. May’s major military awards include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

11 Jun 2024