Air Force Brig. Gen. Sandy Best — the first woman to be promoted to the rank of general in the Minnesota National Guard — is retiring.
Best, who served more than 38 years in the guard, was promoted to brigadier general in 2016. With that promotion in rank, she oversaw the command and leadership of both the 148th Fighter Wing and the 133rd Airlift Wing, based in Duluth and St. Paul, respectively.
“My greatest accomplishment in my 38 years career is paving the way for all that follow and helping Airmen, Soldiers and civilian employees achieve their dreams,” Best said in a statement.
She ended her career serving as the assistant adjutant general. Best also served as the special assistant to the chief of National Guard Bureau, which involved advising and helping leaders across the country to improve diversity and inclusion.
Best, as part of a leadership team, oversaw the development of the Women’s Leadership Forum, which provides education, mentorship and other opportunities for women in the Minnesota National Guard. The Minnesota National Guard says it has increased its gender diversity with women representing 16.2 percent of the organization in 2011 to 21.4 percent in 2022.
The Minnesota National Guard was founded in 1856.
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