ROLAND R WRIGHT ANG BASE, Utah -- In a ceremony rich in pride, tradition, and purpose, the Utah Air National Guard held a Change of Responsibility ceremony on Saturday, formally marking the end of Chief Master Sgt. Brian Garrett’s eight years of service as the State Command Chief and welcoming Chief Master Sgt. Cory Roach as the 14th Airman to hold the position.
The ceremony, held at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, was presided over by Maj. Gen. Daniel D. Boyack, The Adjutant General of Utah, and Brig. Gen. Gene C. Buckner, Assistant Adjutant General-Air.
For nearly a decade, Garrett has served as the senior enlisted leader of the Utah Air National Guard, advising senior leadership and championing the welfare, development, and morale of over 1,200 enlisted Airmen. As he relinquished his duties, the moment was not just ceremonial—it was symbolic of a legacy built on mentorship, integrity, and unrelenting advocacy for the enlisted corps.
“Serving as the State Command Chief has been the greatest honor of my career,” Garrett said. “Every Airman I’ve had the chance to serve next to or mentor has left an impact on me. We’ve grown together, tackled hard problems, and built a stronger, more unified Utah Air National Guard.”
Garrett’s career spans nearly 40 years across the active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard. He began his service in 1986 as an Armament Systems Technician and quickly demonstrated the kind of operational excellence and leadership that would define his path. Over the years, he held key roles, including Load Crew Chief, Weapons Safety Manager, and First Sergeant, across multiple squadrons. He eventually returned to service in the Utah Air National Guard in 2016, where he would go on to lead as the Mission Support Group Superintendent before being appointed as the State Command Chief.
Under his leadership, Garrett helped shape force development policy, strengthen enlisted recognition programs, and expand professional development opportunities across the state. His ability to connect with Airmen at every level, whether through mentorship or advocacy, earned him the trust of commanders and the respect of the enlisted force.
As Garrett transitions into his next role as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Director of the Joint Staff for the Utah National Guard, he will continue to serve the broader Utah military community at the highest levels. In his civilian life, he serves as the Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, extending his leadership to service members beyond the uniform. He also serves as the Vice President of the National Association of Defense Communities and is slated to become president in 2027.
The Airmen of Utah now look to Chief Master Sgt Cory Roach, a combat-tested, forward-thinking leader with a passion for mission readiness and Airman development. Roach most recently served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 151st Operations Group, where he provided counsel across both flying and cyber squadrons and led the operational stand-up of two new cyber units.
“I’m deeply humbled to follow in Chief Garrett’s footsteps,” Roach said. “He’s set a standard of excellence and compassion that has elevated our entire organization. My focus is to continue building on that legacy by empowering our Airmen, strengthening our readiness, and preparing our force for the future.”
Since enlisting in 2006, Roach has served in demanding roles that span tactical and strategic operations. As a Weapons Director, he participated in large-scale joint exercises like Red Flag, Virtual Flag, and Northern Strike. He has deployed in support of multiple operations, including Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, and was part of the air defense of the National Capital Region during Operation Noble Eagle.
Roach’s leadership was further tested and proven during his time as Operations Superintendent at Kingpin, the world’s largest Command and Reporting Center, where he led a multi-skilled coalition force supporting CENTCOM during the Israel/Hamas crisis.
In addition to his military duties, Roach is a civilian project manager supporting the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program, where he oversees infrastructure development across three missile wings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA. He maintains active involvement in professional organizations, including the Enlisted Association of the National Guard and the Project Management Institute.
The ceremony was steeped in tradition but focused on the future. As one chapter ends and another begins, the Utah Air National Guard remains firmly grounded in a culture of excellence built by those who lead not for recognition but for the enduring strength of the mission and the people who carry it out.
“This isn’t about rank or position,” Roach said. “It’s about service, it’s about people, and it’s about ensuring the Utah Air National Guard continues to be the best at what we do today, tomorrow, and far into the future.”
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