Col Gene C. Buckner serves as the Deputy Wing Commander, 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah. His broad range of responsibilities include ensuring combat readiness and mission capability of the 151st Air Refueling Wing flying mission, three tenant units; the 109th Air Control Squadron, 130th Engineering Installation Squadron, 151st Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance Group, and the newly assigned KC-135 Test Detachment. He assists the Wing Commander in ensuring readiness and complying with, and enforcing federal/state regulations pertaining to operations, property, personnel and equipment.
Col Buckner began his career with the Utah Air National Guard in 1993. Col Buckner earned his commission through the Air National Guard’s Academy of Military Science in 1999. Col Buckner has worked in multiple positions as a title 32 federal technician at the Utah Air National Guard since being hired in 1996. During this time Col Buckner has served as the 151st Mission Support Group Commander, the 130th Engineering Installation Squadron Commander, the 151st Inspector General, the 151st Civil Engineering Squadron Commander, and the 151st Services Flight Commander. Prior to his current position, the Colonel was the 151st Mission Support Group Commander, at the Utah Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City Utah.
EDUCATION
1996 Associate of Science in Environmental Science, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT.
1996 Associate of Science in Bioenvironmental Engineering Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1997 Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science, Utah Valley University, Orem UT.
2007 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2009 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2011 Air National Guard Intermediate Development Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
2013 Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership, Argosy University, Salt Lake City, UT.
2016 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2018 Air National Guard Commanders Development Course, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews Md.
2018 Advanced Nuclear Concepts Course (Nuclear 300), The Nuclear College, AFIT, Kirtland AFB Nm.
2023 Joint Task Force Commander Training, NORTHCOM, Fort Carson CO.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal, two oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal, two oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal, oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, two oak leaf clusters
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal seven oak leaf clusters devices
National Defense Service Medal, oak leaf cluster
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, two oak leaf cluster
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon w/ gold border, oak leaf cluster
Air Force Longevity Service, four oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with four “M” devices and silver hour glass
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with device
Air Force Training Ribbon, oak leaf cluster
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 18, 1999
First Lieutenant June 18, 2001
Captain June 18, 2003
Major July 15, 2007
Lieutenant Colonel, January 16, 2014
Colonel June 28, 2018