Minnesota National Guard Air Force Brig. Gen. David Hamlar, MD, DDS, has received the Black Engineer of the Year Award.
The award recognizes outstanding service by African-American admirals, generals, and senior executive service members. Dr. Hamlar received the award at the 10th Annual Stars & Stripes Dinner in Washington, DC, on February 6.
Dr. Hamlar is the co-director of the University of Minnesota Craniofacial Skull Base Center and the assistant adjunct general of the state's Air National Guard.
"When he is not saving lives, he is searching for other opportunities to improve somebody's health," Air Force Col. Jim Johnson, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander, said in a statement after Dr. Hamlar became the Minnesota National Guard's first African-American general officer last August.
Dr. Hamlar has supported the Armed Forces across the world in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, in addition to running health programs at home. He specializes in reconstructing skull deformities and brain tumors and also is a team physician for the Minnesota Wild NHL team.
"Hamlar's talent and both military and civilian skills makes him an incredible asset to not only our organization, but to the community as a whole," Army Maj. Gen. Richard Nash said at Dr. Hamlar's August promotion.
