Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa -- Col. Stephanie S. Samenus was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during a formal ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters for the Iowa National Guard on November 5, 2022.
Samenus is now serving as Chief of Staff of Air for the Iowa Air National Guard at Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
During the ceremony, Samenus thanked her friends, family, and mentors she had throughout her career, as well as the service members she worked with.
“To the Airmen and Soldiers, I have served with at the 185th, the 132nd, the Iowa COVID Task Force, and most recently with Space Operations,” said Samenus, “You mentor me every day with your example, and you inspire and drive me to be a better person, leader, and parent. Thank you!”
Samenus had been working as the Director of Manpower and Personnel at the National Guard Bureau Space Operations in Arlington, Virginia. Before that, she served as the Vice Commander of the 185th Air Refueling Wing.
Samenus initially commissioned with the Naval Reserve of Sioux City, Iowa as an Ensign in 1993. She would make the switch to the Air Guard in 1998 when she joined the 185th Fighter Wing.
During her time with 185th, Samenus served in various capacities at the Wing, including as Mission Support Group Commander.
Samenus has been serving in the military for 29 years between the Naval Reserve and the Air National Guard.