HARRSIBPUG, PA — In a significant move for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Governor Josh Shapiro has named Brigadier General John R. Pippy as the acting Adjutant General. This announcement comes in the wake of Major General Mark Schindler’s retirement after nearly 40 years of distinguished service with the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG).
On Monday, Governor Shapiro expressed confidence in Brigadier General Pippy’s capabilities, stating, “I am proud today to announce that I am naming Brigadier General Pippy to serve as acting Adjutant General and lead our Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Ensuring the PA National Guard is able to effectively serve our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country and that the DMVA is able to deliver for Pennsylvania servicemembers, veterans, and their families is critically important to my Administration.”
Brigadier General Pippy’s comprehensive military background and leadership experience position him as a capable successor. Currently, he serves as Director of the Joint Staff at the Joint Force Headquarters, where he oversees the integration of strategic and joint staff issues for over 13,000 Soldiers and 4,100 Airmen. His responsibilities include coordinating state-level responses to both federal and state emergencies, which range from natural disasters to federal mobilizations.
The implications of this appointment are substantial for the DMVA and the communities it serves. Brigadier General Pippy’s leadership is expected to continue the department’s commitment to readiness and effective service delivery. His extensive military career, including deployments and key operational roles, provides a robust foundation to advocate for and support the needs of Pennsylvania’s service members and veterans.
In his acceptance remarks, Brigadier General Pippy stated, “I am humbled and truly honored by the trust and confidence Governor Shapiro has shown in me with this appointment to be the 55th Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Serving with the members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is a privilege that I hold with the utmost respect.”
Outgoing Major General Mark Schindler praised the appointment, saying, “It is with great pleasure that I congratulate BG John Pippy on his appointment to be Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. John is a tremendous leader, he will be a fierce advocate for the DMVA, and I know the department will thrive under his leadership.”
Brigadier General Pippy’s educational achievements, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts in International Relations, enhance his strategic insight and operational effectiveness. His military accolades, such as the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star Medal, further affirm his leadership prowess.
As the DMVA transitions under Brigadier General Pippy’s guidance, the focus will remain on maintaining the operational readiness of the Pennsylvania National Guard while ensuring robust support systems for veterans and their families. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the department as it continues to uphold its mission of being “Always Ready and Always There” for the Commonwealth and the nation.
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