Governor Lombardo names first soldier in four decades to lead Nevada National Guard
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 5:39pm
CARSON CITY, Nev. — Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced Tuesday that Brig. Gen. D. Rodger “Dan” Waters was selected to become the 31st Adjutant General for the State of Nevada, the senior ranking officer in the Nevada National Guard.
Waters is the first Nevada Army Guardsman to serve as the state’s Adjutant General since 1983 (Maj. Gen. William Engel, 1979-1983). The previous six adjutants general were members of the Nevada Air National Guard. Since the creation of the U.S. Air Force in 1947, and the Nevada Air National Guard in 1948, the position has typically been held by a Nevada Air Guardsman (60 of the past 76 years).
A change of command ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Reno Ballroom, 401 N. Center St., in Reno.
“I am honored to appoint General Waters as the new Adjutant General for the Nevada National Guard,” Lombardo said in a press release today. “His extensive experience, both in domestic operations and overseas assignments, along with his deep commitment to Nevada, make him the ideal leader for our state's military forces. I am confident that General Waters will continue to uphold the legacy of excellence that has long defined the Nevada National Guard.”
“Brigadier General Waters loves Nevada, he loves the military, he loves the mission, and he cares about our Guardsmen and women,” said Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, who has served as Nevada’s Adjutant General since 2019. “From his background in Army Aviation to his lengthy education — enlisted in 1985, commissioned in 1992 — his various command roles and his connections around the country and the globe, Brigadier General Waters is the consummate Army officer. Our state’s military force will remain in good hands with Brigadier General Waters as the Adjutant General.”
Waters most recently served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Nevada National Guard, where he was responsible for overseeing the state’s joint operations and domestic emergency response efforts. He enlisted in the military in 1985 and was commissioned as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from the Aviation Officer Basic Course in 1992. He has flown numerous aircraft during his career, including the UH-1, OH-58, CH-47, UH-60 and UH-72.
“I want to thank Governor Lombardo for this opportunity to serve as Adjutant General for the Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilian employees of the Nevada National Guard and the State Office of the Military,” Waters said. “I also want to thank Major General Ondra Berry for his leadership. I look forward to a bright future for our great state and the Nevada National Guard.”
Waters’ service record includes several overseas assignments, notably as the Afghan National Army Operations Officer for Combined Joint Task Force 82 (2007-2008), and as Division Chief at U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany (2017-2020). Upon returning to Nevada in 2020, Waters served as Chief of Staff to Berry (2020-2023). He became the Director of the Joint Staff in 2023. He has also served as the commander of the 991st Multifunctional Brigade, Nevada Army National Guard (2013-2015) and commander of the 17th Special Troops Battalion, Nevada Army National Guard (2009-2011).
His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.
His education includes a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from the University of the State of New York; Master of Business Administration, University of Nevada, Reno; and an executive certificate in public leadership from Harvard University.
He also has served various groups in the community, including Boy Scouts of America, Nevada Area Council president; American Legion, Department of Nevada, commander; President of the Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise; Veterans Guest House, former President of the Board.
