William L. Zana (born 1966) is a retired United States Army major general from the Army National Guard who served as the commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa from May 15, 2020 to May 14, 2022.[1][2] He previously served as Deputy Director for J-5 Politico-Military Affairs (Africa) on the Joint Staff and,[3] as a brigadier general, led CJTF-HOA from May to June 2018.
William L. Zana | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Born | 1966 |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1993–2024 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands |
|
| Battles / wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | |
| Alma mater |
|
Tomb Guard
editWilliam Zana joined the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) as a private in 1987 and received his Tomb Guard badge (#354) when he was a sergeant. He would go on to become the only sentinel to become a general officer.[4] After 37 years of service, Zana returned to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for one final guard shift. He spent his last hours of military service walking the plaza to honor the unknowns.[5]
Dates of rank
edit| Insignia | Rank | Date |
|---|---|---|
 |
Major general | May 17, 2021 |
 |
Brigadier general | December 27, 2017 |
 |
Colonel | September 21, 2012 |
 |
Lieutenant colonel | August 8, 2008 |
 |
Major | February 13, 2003 |
 |
Captain | September 3, 1998 |
 |
First lieutenant | July 23, 1996 |
 |
Second lieutenant | July 24, 1993 |
References
edit- ^ Brown, Morgan (2021-05-15). "CJTF-HOA welcomes a new commander". DVIDS. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
- ^ Rolen, Lynette (2022-05-14). "Combined, joint task force in Africa welcomes first female commanding general". DVIDS. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ "Major General William L. Zana". National Guard Bureau. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
- ^ "Sentinel Honors The Unknowns With Final Walk Before Retirement". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
- ^ "Guard general retires after final watch at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". U.S. Army. Retrieved 2024-06-16.