Brigadier General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson assumed the duties of Director of the Joint Staff for the Georgia National Guard on 21 February 2020. He is responsible for assisting the Adjutant General of Georgia in directing and coordinating the activities of the Army and Air National Guard, ensuring the organization is ready to perform both its state and federal missions.
A native of Murphy, North Carolina, Brigadier General Wilson enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1987 as a Combat Engineer. In 1993, after serving in both the Army Reserve and the North Carolina Army National Guard, he received a Regular Army commission from North Georgia College as an Aviation Second Lieutenant.
Brigadier General Wilson has commanded at the company thru brigade level in both the active and reserve components of the Army. Additionally, he has held key staff positions at the battalion, brigade and state Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) level. He previously served as the Chief of Staff, Director of Aviation and Safety, and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics for the Georgia Army National Guard.
Brigadier General Wilson’s deployment experience has included participation in Operations’ Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq (1990-1991), as well as supporting contingency operations in Albania (1999) and during Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo (2001). His most recent deployment was in support of Operation New Dawn in Iraq (2010-2011).
Brigadier General Wilson’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from North Georgia College. He later earned a Master of Arts degree from Webster University in Management and Leadership, and a Master of Science degree from the United States Army War College in Strategic Studies.
Brigadier General Wilson’s military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army and Air Force Commendation medals. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Army’s Airborne School, Air Assault Course and is a Master Army Aviator, rated in both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
Brigadier General Wilson and his wife Samantha are blessed with four children: Nathanael (27), Hannah (24), Noah (22), and Sarah Grace (15). The Wilson’ currently reside in Canton, GA.