Oklahoma City's own State Rep. Chris Kannady has ascended to a prestigious national advisory post with the Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council, a role effective since the start of February. As a Special Advisor for Policy and Programs, Colonel Kannady will be guiding legal policy for the Guard's judge advocates across the nation. His appointment coincides with Brig. Gen. Chris Eason's confirmation as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force, marking a dual celebration for the Oklahoma National Guard.
Major General Eason's elevation to The Judge Advocate General reflects not only on his personal achievements but also paints a broader picture of Oklahoma's contribution to the military's upper echelons. In a statement obtained by Oklahoma House News, Kannady expressed his admiration, saying, "Major General Eason’s confirmation as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force is a tremendous achievement for him, for Oklahoma, and for every Airman who values principled legal leadership."
As someone who has served more than a decade with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, after ten years in the Marine Corps and two years in the West Virginia National Guard, Kannady's experience is vast. Likened to a staunch defender of the rule of law, he also has a notable political career as an Oklahoma House Representative, where his interests gravitate towards constitutional governance and championing the causes of service members, veterans, and their families.
Chairman of the Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus and retired Oklahoma Air National Guard member, Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, praised the appointments, which he believed underscored the caliber of leadership originating from Oklahoma. Hildebrant knew both Eason and Kannady personally after working under them, stating, "They are leaders who put the mission first and take their oath seriously," according to the same Oklahoma House News article.
The overarching message from both Kannady and his peers remains clear: the steadfast dedication to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and a withdrawal from the whims of political agendas. "The Oklahoma National Guard exists to serve the people and defend the Constitution, not to serve political agendas," Kannady told Oklahoma House News. In his new role, Kannady is positioned to reinforce these values at a national level, impacting policy and program initiatives for the greater good of America's Air National Guard legal officers.
