Lusk will command nearly 12,000 citizen soldiers and airmen of the N.C. Army and Air National Guard, and will be an advisor to the governor on military affairs. He replaces Adjutant Gen. William E. Ingram Jr., who has served as commander since July 2001.

“Col. Lusk has commanded our largest National Guard unit on tours of duty to Iraq and has served with honor and distinction throughout his career,” Gov. Perdue said. “Whether it's helping respond to hurricanes here in North Carolina or defending our country's freedoms, the National Guard plays a vital role in our domestic and international security. Col. Lusk is a strong leader and will carry on that proud tradition of being a citizen soldier.”

Secretary Reuben F. Young of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety said Lusk “represents the best of the National Guard. He is a soldier's soldier and is dedicated to serve his state and country.” The NCNG is a division of CCPS.

Lusk replaces Ingram who has served since July 2001. Young said, “Throughout his career, Major General Ingram served the country and state with distinction. We are honored by his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Commander of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Lusk has served two tours of duty to Iraq – February 2009 to April 2010 and October 2003 to April 2005. The 30th is North Carolina's largest National Guard unit with more than 4,000 soldiers. During the most recent deployment, the brigade partnered with Iraqi Security Forces to carry out combined security operations and civil capacity improvement.

Lusk has been a member of the NCNG since August 1979. Among his awards are the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and N.C. National Guard Service Award with Gold Hornets Nest.

Lusk is a graduate of N.C. State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and earned a Masters of Science in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Lusk is a financial advisor for Waddell & Reed and also owns Handy Man Hardware, both in Raleigh. He is married to Deana and they have three children Dalhya, Cherihan and Allan. ###