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Vahan Vartanian (November 11, 1917 – March 8, 1995) was an American military officer who served as Adjutant General of Massachusetts from 1972 to 1982. Vartanian was the first American of Armenian descent to be appointed as Adjutant General of a State National Guard.

Early life
Vahan was born on November 11, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts to a family of Armenian immigrants. A graduate of Boston Latin School, he enlisted in the 241st Coastal Artillery Regiment in 1934.

World War II
Vartanian was Sergeant when his Regiment was ordered into active military service in September, 1940. Having graduated from the Massachusetts Military Academy, Vartanian was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in January 1941. He served at several coastal defense installations including the Harbor Defense of Cristobal, in the Panama Canal Zone. He rose through the officer ranks and was honorable discharged from federal service in 1946 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Post war
Following the war, Vartanian rejoined his Regiment as a Captain and served in many command and staff position. He was promoted to Colonel in 1957. Five years later, he was transferred to State Headquarters of the Mass National Guard as Personnel and Administration Officer (G-1), Plans and Programs Officer and later, Chief of Selective Service.

During this period, Vartanian pursued his military education including graduating from the Army Command and Staff College, National War College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and National Security Management. In 1968 Vartanian was promoted to Brigadier General of the Line and was reassigned to the Headquarters Command Section. In 1970, Vartanian was promoted to Major General of the Line.

General Vartanian was also employed for many years by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Air Force at Hanscom Field in Bedford Massachusetts as Management and Program Analysts. He resigned this position in July, 1972 to accept an appointment by Governor Frank Sargent as the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard and served in that position for more than 10 years. He was reappointed by Governor Michael Dukakis in November 1975 and continued under Governor Edward King until December 1982 when he retired as Lieutenant General of a State Militia. During his tour of duty Vartanian also served as Commanding General, 26th Yankee Infantry Division and Chief Military Aide to the Governor of Massachusetts.

Personal life
Vahan married Mary Nigohsian and had three sons; Kenneth, Richard, and Robert. He is survived by his 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Following his retirement, General Vartanian spent much of his time at his home in Falmouth, Massachusetts. He maintained a very active interest in military matters in addition to enjoying time with his family and friends.

Awards and Accolades
General Vartanian received many awards and decorations during his service including the Army Commendation Ribbon with cluster and the American Defense Service Ribbon. At his retirement, General Vartanian was awarded the Nation’s highest peacetime award, the Distinguished Service Medal. He also received the National Guard Bureau’s highest award, the Eagle Award, the National Guard Association of the US Distinguished Service Medal, the Commonwealth of Mass Medal of Merit, and New York’s Conspicuous Service Medal. His civic affiliations included National Guard Association of the US Massachusetts (Past President) Masonic Order, Aleppo Temple, Shrine, Enlisted Association of Massachusetts Executive Board Horizon’s for Youth, Boston Regional Committee Easter Seal Telethon, New England USO Council, Boston Council Boy Scouts of America, Conservator Faulkner Hospital , Fellow Norwich University, and The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.