LANSING, MICH- Former Alpena County resident and director of the joint staff for the Michigan National Guard, Col. Burton K. Francisco has been promoted to the rank of brigadier general. A formal "pinning" ceremony was held at the National Guard Headquarters in Lansing on Jan. 10. Francisco, currently residing in Alto, Mich., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2007 with a promotion effective date of Dec. 6, 2008.

Francisco began his military career in April 1978 enlisting in the Michigan Army National Guard as a private assigned to Co. C 1-125th Infantry, Alpena, Mich., quickly rising to the rank of sergeant. He was commissioned to second lieutenant in May 1983 and was assigned as platoon leader and executive officer in the Alpena Company.

He has also served as the operations and training officer with the 46th Brigade, Wyoming, Mich.; commander of the 51st Civil Support Team, Augusta, Mich.; commander 63rd Brigade, Jackson, Mich.; director of the Michigan National Guard Human Resources office, Lansing; Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Lansing; Michigan National Guard Chief of Staff, Lansing; and now serves as director of the joint staff.

Francisco earned a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

"My success, throughout my career, is attributed to the fine non-commissioned officers I have been privileged to serve with," Francisco said in an email. "I am humbled by the promotion to brigadier general and remain committed to leading and representing the Soldiers of the Michigan Army National Guard to the very best of my ability. The seven Army Values have always, and will always, provide an azimuth for me to be the very best leader I can be."

Francisco has won numerous awards throughout his career including:

• Meritorious Service Medal 4th Award
• Army Commendation Medal 5th Award
• Army Achievement Medal 3rd Award
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal 2nd Award
• Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with gold oak leaf cluster

He has been married to his wife Donna (Scheuner), also formerly of Alpena County, for more than 28 years. They have two children. Their daughter Karla is a technical sergeant in the Michigan Air National Guard at Battle Creek, and their son Chad is a sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard. The Francisco's have three grandchildren as well. Brig. Gen. Francisco's father, Burt Francisco Sr., resides in Alpena, Mich., while his mother, Carol Sutter, resides in Howe, Ind.

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