WASHINGTON,DC – Brigadier General David Hamlar, Jr., dentist, doctor, Airman, National Guard Officer, is now also one of the nation’s Black Engineers of the Year. He received the Black Engineer of the Year Award at the 10th Annual Stars & Stripes Dinner held February 6, 2015, from Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau.
On Friday, March 5. Brig. Gen. Hamlar was recognized for his “trailblazing life of extroadinary accomplishments.”
He received his direct commission in 1989. His significant assignments include Health Services Administrator and Emergency Medical Services, 121st Tactical Hospital, Rickenbacker Air Force Base, Ohio; General Practice Physician, 133rd Medical Group and State Surgeon, Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Joint Force Headquarters, St. Paul.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (w/4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal (w/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Aerial Achievement/Air Force Commendation Medal (w/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Achievement Medal (w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster); numerous other National Defense Service Medals and Awards for extraordinary service in Afghanistan and Iraque.
Brig. Gen. Hamlar received his doctorate in 1989. After a residency in otolaryngology at Ohio State University in 1994, a fellowship in facial plastic/reconstructive surgery at the University of Minnesota in 1995 he was appointed co-director of the Craniofacial Skull Base Center at the University.
In civilian life Gen. Hamlar is co-director of the Craniofacial Skull Base Center at the University of Minnesota serving patients with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial deformities as well as patients with skull-based tumors. He routinely travels on humanitarian missions to the far East, Central and South America, to perform reconstructive procedures. Through his academic appointments he is able to teach residents and medical students.
Brig. Gen. Hamlar also serves as a consultant for Minnesota Gopher Sports teams, the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves and has been a team physician with the Minnesota Wild NHL ice hockey team since 2003. His message and motto: “Never say never; never say you should have, and never give up on your dreams or ambitions. Most importantly always be prepared for what opportunities may await you.”
He is the son of native Roanokers, the late Dr. David and Maxine Hamlar of Columbus, OH. Through all of his extraordinary achievements he still finds time to spend with his wife, and two children, Devon and Genna.
