Governor Gianforte Announces Transition at Department of Military Affairs

• May 20 2025

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Major General J. Peter Hronek, Montana’s Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), will retire on June 7 after a long career in public and military service.

The governor announced his appointment of Colonel Trenton J. Gibson to serve as Adjutant General for the State of Montana and Director of DMA.

“I’m grateful to General Hronek for his service to the State of Montana. Under his leadership, the men and women of the Montana National Guard have had a true public servant guiding them and their efforts,” Gov. Gianforte said. “From helping Montanans recover from disasters to recruiting Montanans to serve their country as a member of the Guard, General Hronek has served Montana with steadfast dedication. I wish him great success as he embarks on this next chapter of his life.”

Major General Hronek was appointed by Gov. Gianforte in December 2020. Prior to the appointment, General Hronek served as Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, Air Education and Training Command, the Director of Plans, Programs, and Recruitment for the Air National Guard in Washington, D.C., and held numerous posts in Montana over his career, including the 120th Fighter Wing Commander from 2009 to 2015, Chief of Staff for the Montana National Guard from 2015 to 2018, and Assistant Adjutant General from 2018 to 2019.

General Hronek served three combat tours in Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq, and Balad Air Base in Iraq.

“I am honored to have served the great state of Montana as the 28th Adjutant General. I have been honored to lead the outstanding soldiers, airmen, and Department of Military Affairs professionals. I am so proud to see them empowered and ready to serve at the next level. They have enhanced their missions and brought on new capabilities to our nation and state. As a result of our efforts, the Montana National Guard is in a better position than ever before to recruit and retain our members,” Gen. Hronek said.

Hronek continued, “My wife Traci and I will leave so ever grateful to have been part of this great team and we wish our best to Colonel Gibson, his wife Sarah, and his family. We know Trent will continue to ensure the professionals at the Montana National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs will always be ready to answer the call of our nation and state anytime, anywhere.”

Upon Hronek’s retirement, Colonel Trenton J. Gibson will serve as Montana’s Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Military Affairs.

Colonel Gibson began his military career in 1995 with the Montana National Guard and currently commands the 1889th Montana Army National Guard Regional Support Group in Butte and has served as the director for the Montana National Guard Youth Challenge Academy since 2018.

“I thank Major General Hronek for his honorable service to our state and nation and his steadfast leadership of the Montana National Guard. I appreciate Governor Gianforte offering me the honor and privilege of serving in this capacity,” Colonel Gibson said. “The Montana National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs are home to exceptional professionals, and I have been blessed to serve in both organizations for over 25 years. I also thank my family for their support and sacrifice as I step into this critical role.”

Colonel Gibson deployed to Iraq in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as the Executive Officer for the 115th Maintenance Company. For his service, he received numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

The Change of Command Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at Fort Harrison.

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