Brig. Gen. Thomas G. Olander Jr. serves as the Chief of Staff, Connecticut Air National Guard. In this role he is the primary advisor to the Assistant Adjutant General-Air on all operational issues and strategic initiatives affecting the Connecticut Air National Guard. He is responsible for a broad spectrum of activities involving the state’s 1200 Airmen supporting a flying wing and geographically separated unit. General Olander oversees the development of trained, equipped, mission ready forces in support of national defense requirements and State of Connecticut emergencies.
Brig. Gen Olander earned his commission in 2004 from the Academy of Military Sciences, Knoxville, Tennessee. He has served in numerous assignments in both Logistics Readiness and Aircraft Maintenance. He has commanded at the squadron and group level as well as duties as the Deputy Wing Commander. Brig. Gen Olander is a decorated combat veteran with numerous deployments in support of Operations DESERT STORM, NORTHERN and SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and INHERENT RESOLVE.
EDUCATION
2002 Bachelor of Science, Business Management, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven CT.
2011 Squadron Officers School, Maxwell AFB AL., by correspondence
2015 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB AL., by correspondence
2015 Master of Science, Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Maxwell AFB AL.
2017 Leadership in Homeland Security Certification, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, MA.
2019 Air War College, Maxwell AFB AL., by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS OR CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. September 2004 – September 2006, Chief of Supply, 103d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Bradley ANGB, CT.
2. September 2006 –June 2008, Installation Deployment Offcr,103d Logistics Readiness Squadron Bradley ANG, CT.
3. June 2008 – June 2011, Operations Officer, 103d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Bradley ANGB, CT.
4. June 2011 – June 2017, Commander, 103d Logistics Readiness Squadron, Bradley ANGB, CT.
5. June 2017– January 2018, Deputy Commander, 103d Mission Support Group, Bradley ANGB, CT.
6. January 2018 – September 2018, Deputy Commander, 103d Maintenance Group, Bradley ANGB, CT.
7. September 2018 – October 2021, Commander, 103d Maintenance Group, Bradley ANGB, CT.
8. October 2021 - October 2024, Deputy Wing Commander, 103d Airlift Wing, Bradley ANGB, CT.
9. October 2024 – Present, Chief of Staff-Air, Joint Force Headquarters, Hartford, CT.
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant September 10, 2004
First Lieutenant September 10, 2006
Captain September 10, 2008
Major September 18, 2012
Lieutenant Colonel October 14, 2016
Colonel September 30, 2020
Brigadier General October 6, 2024