Major
General (Retired) Earl L. Adams
United
States Army
Active
Duty: 1958-1960
Army
National Guard: 1962-2000
Source of
Commission: ROTC, University of Maine – Orono
General
Adams brilliant military career started in 1957 when he was commissioned as a
second lieutenant from the University of Maine ROTC program. He
served on active duty during the period of 1958 to 1960 serving as an
executive officer in a unit of the 4th Infantry Division. His
Maine Army National Guard career from 1962 to 2000 culminated in his
appointment as Maine’s Adjutant General and Commissioner of the Department of
Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management. He
was federally recognized as a Major General on 30 September 1997.General
Adams’ Maine Army National Guard career was varied in that he served as
Battalion Commander of the 152d Field Artillery Battalion, Recruiting and
Retention Officer, Plans, Operations and Training Officer, and Chief of Staff
prior to his appointment by the Governor to be the Adjutant General. He
was nationally recognized when he established a program with the Canadian
Military Forces allowing the artillery battalion to train at the Canadian
Forces Base in Gagetown New Brunswick. This saved
days of travel time by the unit which previously had to train at Fort Drum
New York. General Adams earned many awards including the Distinguished
Service Medal. General
Adams has been a perpetual member of the General Joshua Chamberlain Chapter
of the Military Order of the World Wars since April 1999. During his tour as
Commander he led by example by bringing in new members and encouraging others
to do the same. He also increased attendance at Chapter meeting by having
interesting guest speakers. General
Adams and his wife Sheila reside in Pittston, Maine. |