“I am honored to appoint General Waters as the new Adjutant General for the Nevada National Guard,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “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.”

General Waters, a resident of Sparks, Nevada, most recently served as the Director of the Joint Staff for the Nevada National Guard, where he was responsible for overseeing the state’s domestic emergency response efforts. He enlisted in the military in 1985 and was commissioned as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from the Aviation’s Officer Basic Course in 1992. Waters’ service record includes several overseas assignments, notably as the Afghan National Army Operations Officer for Combined Joint Task Force 82, and as Division Chief at the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Upon returning to Nevada, Waters served as Chief of Staff to Major General Ondra Berry before becoming Director of the Joint Staff in 2023.

“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,” said General Waters. “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.”

This appointment comes after the announcement of the retirement of Major General Ondra Berry, who has served in the position since 2019. General Waters will take command on October 30, 2024.

The Adjutant General is the senior-ranking military officer in the Nevada National Guard, a position that dates to the Nevada Organic Act which created Nevada Territory in 1861. The position oversees about 5,000 Nevada Soldiers, Airmen and Civilian employees under the state’s Office of the Military.