Albert H. Wilkening (February 1, 1946 – April 8, 2020) was the adjutant general of Wisconsin from 2002 to 2007, when he was succeeded by Donald P. Dunbar. He was responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management. In March 2003 Wilkening was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to head a new Homeland Security Council in Wisconsin and to be the governor's homeland security advisor. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2020, at the age of 74.
Military career Wilkening enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968 and was commissioned a second lieutenant on March 28 of that year. Following pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, he served as a flight training instructor at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi until May, 1973. In August, 1973, he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He has served in a variety of command and staff positions, including as commander of the 176th Tactical Fighter Squadron and deputy commander for Operations, 128th Tactical Fighter Wing. From December, 1990 to August, 2002, he served as deputy adjutant general for air, and commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He was named adjutant general by Governor Scott McCallum and assumed office on September 1, 2002. Wilkening was a command pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours in the T-41, T-37, T-38, O-2A, OA-37, and A-10 aircraft.
Education
Flight information
Awards and decorations
US Air Force Command Pilot Badge Personal decorationsLegion of MeritMeritorious Service Medal with bronze oak leaf clusterAir Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf clusterArmy Commendation MedalAir Force Achievement MedalUnit awardsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with three bronze oak leaf clustersAir Force Organizational Excellence AwardService awardsCombat Readiness Medal with two bronze oak leaf clustersCampaign and service medalsNational Defense Service Medal with two bronze service starsService, training, and marksmanship awardsAir Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze oak leaf clustersArmed Forces Reserve Medal with gold hourglassSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one bronze service starAir Force Training Ribbon
Other achievements Board of directors, National Guard Association
Effective dates of promotion + Promotions Insignia Rank DateMajor General28 January 2004Brigadier General12 August 1992Colonel27 June 1989Lieutenant Colonel16 November 1984Major4 November 1978Captain28 March 1971First Lieutenant28 September 1969Second Lieutenant28 March 1968
References