Mexico Air National Guard, will continue with her current responsibilities of planning and executing employment of New Mexico Air National Guard units during contingency and domestic operations in federal and state emergencies, interpreting Air Force and National Guard Bureau policies, and coordinating implementation and compliance within the state.
Her previous assignments include commander of the 150 Maintenance Group, director of support and director of staff, Joint Force Headquarters, and the 150th Logistics support flight commander.
Maj. Gen. Ken Nava, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, said it is tough for any officer to make it to rank of General.
“Academy graduates have a slightly higher than average chance of promoting to general officer, but it is still rare, and for Michele to be promoted to brigadier general is very rare indeed,” said Nava of LaMontagne’s accomplishment. “I look forward to having you help me lead the New Mexico Air National Guard and the New Mexico National Guard to the best it has ever been, so get ready to work, Michele.”
As LaMontagne prepared to address the audience, they rose to a standing ovation and Nava jokingly said to LaMontagne, “No pressure, but they gave you a standing ovation before your speech.”
After thanking friends and family for attending and celebrating her great accomplishment, LaMontagne referenced a few of the governing principles used at her civilian job as a business coach at Rio Grande and thanked her work family for living by these examples and bringing them into her life: “Do what you agree to do.” “Create an environment of trust.” “Be open and honest.” “Treat everyone with dignity and respect.” “Have fun.” “Lead by influence (using reason, benefits and inspiration) rather than by coercion.”
LaMontagne also referenced the importance of being more, rather than simply having more.
“I think there are times when we come to Drill and see ourselves in this uniform, we lose sight of the diversity of our lives and the gifts that are presented to us,” LaMontagne said. “We might even miss this in other people. We have these influences in our lives that benefit us, strengthen us and they make us better people. I think we have an opportunity to use these gifts, these strengths, to make this uniformed organization and the world even better.”
“None of us can exist in isolation because our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways – be it by parents, mentors or society at large,” said LaMontagne as she shared her favorite quote as a mentor. “To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them and to strive to give something back to society in the spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live, and that is how I want to live.”]]>
