DRAPER, Utah –The honorable Spencer J. Cox will oversee the transfer of command of the Utah National Guard from Maj. Gen. Dan Boyack to Col. Michael Kjar at a change of command ceremony on August 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base. Maj. Gen. Boyack assumed command on August 21, 2023, and has
DRAPER, Utah –The honorable Spencer J. Cox will oversee the transfer of command of the Utah National Guard from Maj. Gen. Dan Boyack to Col. Michael Kjar at a change of command ceremony on August 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base.
Maj. Gen. Boyack assumed command on August 21, 2023, and has led key modernization and readiness initiatives including the activation of the 1st Battalion, 204th Mobile Infantry, establishment of two cyber squadrons, expansion of Utah’s State Partnership Program with Morocco, and achieved the highest recruiting rankings in the Army and Air National Guard. His leadership positioned the Utah National Guard as a national model for readiness, innovation, and mission effectiveness.
Maj. Gen. Boyack was nominated and selected as the National Guard Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, expanding his leadership and excellence and service to a national level.
“Maj. Gen. Boyack has served Utah and our nation with honor, humility and extraordinary dedication,” said Gov. Cox in a press release June 3, 2026. “He leaves the Utah National Guard stronger, better prepared and ready to meet the demands of a changing world. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, his sacrifice and his continued service to our country as he steps into this important national role.”
In conjunction with the change of command ceremony, Col. Kjar will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Col. Kjar brings more than 30 years of military leadership and public service to the role beginning his career in the Wyoming Army National Guard as a 13B cannon crewman on March 23, 1995. He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has served in a range of command and staff positions, including Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander, Commander’s Action Group Director, Regional Training Institute Commander, and Utah Army National Guard Chief of Staff.
The Adjutant General is the commanding general of the Utah National Guard and is appointed by the governor who is the Utah National Guard’s commander in chief. The Utah National Guard is comprised of over 8,000 soldiers, airmen and civilian employees that stand ready to support our communities, state and nation.
Media Notes: Media representatives are invited to attend the Aug 3rd ceremony. Those planning to attend must notify Lt. Col. Tambra West or Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez no later than 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug 2nd at ng.utngpao@army.mil or UtahAirGuard@gmail.com or 801-432-4407, 801-716-9063 or 801-245-2258
