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Distinguished Alumnus

2025

Jason L. Knobbe

Achievement in Military Service

BRIG. GEN. JASON L. KNOBBE, Commander of the Kansas Air National Guard, graduated from Dodge City Community College (DC3) with an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology in 1991. He is a native of Jetmore, Kan.

“I grew up in Jetmore, Kansas, and my dad was an instructor at DC3, so I have always had a great respect for the school,” he said. “It is an absolute honor and a privilege to be the next DC3 Distinguished Alumnus! I never thought that one day I would receive this honor. It truly means the world to me.”

Knobbe’s father, Craig, was an instructor at DC3 for 18 years, until his retirement in 2006.

“My dad taught at the high school level before he came to DC3 to teach math and engineering,” he said. “I had him for four classes! He was tough, and having your dad as a teacher is an interesting dynamic!”

The summer after Knobbe’s junior year at Jetmore High School, his dad began teaching at DC3.

“I have fond memories of being able to go visit him in his office on campus and occasionally the two of us going to lunch,” he said. “That being said, I intentionally never took one of his courses!”

In addition to his studies at DC3, Knobbe tried to fit in as many martial arts classes as he could.

“I also belonged to the martial arts clubs that worked out and trained in the evenings,” he said. “With school, work, and martial arts, it kept me focused and taught me a lot about discipline and drive.”

Looking back on his DC3 experience, Knobbe said what stands out most to him today was the college’s “top-notch” instructors.

“While the college was quite a bit bigger than my high school, the classes were small, and the instructors were devoted to making sure the students understood the material,” he said. “They were approachable if you ever had an issue or a question. I’m thankful for their dedication to me and all the other DC3 students. DC3 was a great way to transition from a small high school to a large university setting.”

After DC3, Knobbe got to experience that “large university setting” when he transferred to the University of Kansas. Three years later in 1994, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, which he followed up with a Master of Science in Education degree in 1998.

Promoted to brigadier general with the Kansas Air National Guard in 2023, Knobbe currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air and Commander. In addition, he is the chief advisor to the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to Air National Guard programs, policies, operations, management, command, and control of the Kansas Air National Guard.

He also provides staff assistance guidance and direction concerning Air National Guard personnel, administration, training, recruiting and retention, logistics, transportation, and budgetary matters.

Knobbe commands more than 2,300 Kansas Air National Guard airmen, serving in two wings, who operate the most diverse set of missions across the Air Force portfolio. Furthermore, he is an active advisor on the Region 3 Strategic Planning System Council.

Prior to his current assignment, Knobbe served as the Chief of Staff-Air, 184th Wing Commander, 184th Vice Commander, 184th Mission Support Group Commander, 184th Regional Support Group Deputy Commander, and 177th Information Aggressor Squadron Commander (a National Security Agency Certified Cyber and Information Operations Red Team).

Knobbe is also a Cyberspace Operations Officer, Aircraft Commander, and a Weapons Systems Operator whose assignments span all three career fields. In addition, he has also provided support for several deployments during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

During his career, Knobbe has been awarded many prestigious honors, including the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air and Space Commendation Medal, and the Air and Space Achievement Medal.

In his capacity as the college’s 64th Distinguished Alumnus, Knobbe said he would like to encourage all students at DC3 to enjoy their journeys.

“Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. Take chances on the dreams you have, and then diligently pursue those dreams,” he said. “Put in the time, energy, and work required, and you will thrive in the end.”

Distinguished Alumnus Citations