William Zana Explained

William L. Zana
Birth Date:	1966
Allegiance:	United States
Branch:	United States Army
Serviceyears:	1993–2024
Rank:	Major General
Commands:	Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa 91st Cyber Brigade 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Battles:	War in Afghanistan
Alma Mater:	Park University (BBM) Marine Corps University (MMS) National Defense University (MNSS)

William L. Zana (born 1966) is a retired United States Army major general from the Army National Guard who served as the commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa from May 15, 2020 to May 14, 2022.^{[1] [2]} He previously served as Deputy Director for J-5 Politico-Military Affairs (Africa) on the Joint Staff and,^[3] as a brigadier general, led CJTF-HOA from May to June 2018.

Tomb Guard

William Zana joined the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) as a private in 1987 and received his Tomb Guard badge (#354) when he was a sergeant. He would go on to become theonly sentinel to become a general officer.^[4] After 37 years of service, Zana returned to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for one final guard shift. He spent his last hours of military service walking the plaza to honor the unknowns.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Brown. Morgan. CJTF-HOA welcomes a new commander. 2021-05-15. 2021-05-16. DVIDS.
2. Web site: Rolen. Lynette. Combined, joint task force in Africa welcomes first female commanding general. 2022-05-14. 2022-05-15. DVIDS.
3. Web site: Major General William L. Zana. 2021-05-31. National Guard Bureau.
4. Web site: Sentinel Honors The Unknowns With Final Walk Before Retirement. 2024-06-16. Arlington National Cemetery.
5. Web site: Guard general retires after final watch at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 2024-06-16. U.S. Army.