Major General Laura Clellan, first woman to lead Colorado National Guard, to retire
The head of Colorado’s National Guard is retiring after five years in the post, Governor Jared Polis announced Thursday.
Major General Laura Clellan will end her nearly four-decade military service with a retirement ceremony in October.
“Serving as the Adjutant General of Colorado has been the greatest honor of my career, a privilege beyond words, and the highlight of my time in uniform,” Clellan said in a statement. “Leading the Soldiers and Airmen of the Colorado National Guard, the state employees of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past five years, I have witnessed extraordinary accomplishments made possible only by the unwavering commitment to service demonstrated by every member of this remarkable organization.”
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Clellan is the first woman and openly LGBTQ person to lead the Colorado National Guard.
The state listed the job posting for Clellan’s replacement on Thursday, with an annual salary of about $230,000. Polis is in charge of appointing the cabinet-level position.
“Through wildfires and floods, a pandemic and unprecedented times, General Clellan led the Colorado National Guard with dignity, supporting Coloradans and our communities through turbulent times,” Polis said in a statement.
During her military career, Clellan was deployed five times overseas and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. She joined the Colorado National Guard in 1998. In 2023, the U.S. Senate promoted her to the rank of Major General.
The Colorado National Guard comprises part-time citizen soldiers and airmen who mostly respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. Most recently, Polis mobilized the force to help respond to the Elk and Lee fires near Meeker.
