Sparks man promoted to brigadier general

After 24 years of service to the Nevada Air National Guard, Sparks resident Lawrence Cerfoglio was promoted to the rank of brigadier general by Gov. Kenny Guinn at a ceremony in the governor's office.

Cerfoglio will continue to serve as the National Air Guard chief of staff, a position he has held since July 29.

Cerfoglio advises Adjutant General Giles Vanderhoof in matters such as personnel staffing decisions, budget formulation and maintaining the Air Guard's mission-readiness capabilities.

Cerfoglio recently served as the Air Guard's state headquarters vice-commander and as the 152nd Airlift Wing's vice-commander. Before becoming vice-commander, Cerfoglio was the wing's Logistics Group commander, responsible for the supply contracting and maintenance of the Air Guard's C-130 fleet. For much of the 1990s, Cerfoglio was the executive support officer for the Air Guard headquarters in Carson City.

Cerfoglio served with the National Guard Bureau as a member of the Supplies and Equipment Budget Committee and completed two temporary assignments each in Korea and Germany.

Cerfoglio was born in Reno and graduated from Yerington High School in 1967. He enlisted in the Nevada Air Guard in 1967. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Regents College in New York. He graduated from the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and -- with distinction -- Air War College.

His military decorations include the Legion of Merit and medals for Meritorious Service and Air Force and Army Commendation and Achievement.