Ottawa native leads National Guard Bureau

OTTAWA — One of Ohio's own and Putnam County native, General Steven S. Nordhaus is among one of the highest-ranking military officers in the United States, operating as the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Congressman Bob Latta R, OH-5, met Gen. Nordhaus at the House Guard and Reserve Caucus Reception on June 5. The two discussed Nordhaus' distinguished military service and leadership in Ohio and across the nation. "It was an honor to meet General Nordhaus, who now serves as Chief of the National Guard Bureau here in Washington," Latta said in a release. "He has had a stellar career serving our nation, and I thank him for his continued service and leadership." Born and raised in Ottawa, Ohio, Nordhaus graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 with a bachelor of science degree in engineering. He has flown combat missions in operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Vigilant Warrior, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Many Northwest Ohioans know Nordhaus from his time at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, where he served as commander of the 180th Fighter Wing from 2011-13. Recently, Nordhaus served as the Commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Northern and U.S. Air Forces Space), at the Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Prior to that, he served as the Special Assistant to the Director of the Air National Guard. In October 2024, Gen. Nordhaus was promoted to the rank of four-star general, assuming the role of the Chief of National Guard Bureau. In this new position, he now serves as a military adviser to the President, Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and is the Department of Defense's official channel of communication to the Governors and the State Adjutants General on matters pertaining to the National Guard. Nordhaus oversees more than 430,000 Army and Air National Guard personnel, ensuring they are accessible, capable and ready to protect the U.S. and provide combat ready resources to the Air Force and the Army, the release states.