Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on June 22, 2026, in honor of the interment of retired Maj. Gen. David P. Rataczak, who served as Arizona Adjutant General and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs from June 1999 to December 2008. A funeral service is scheduled for June 22; he passed away on June 5 at the age of 81.

Maj. Gen. Rataczak began his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1965. After completing aviation training, he was assigned to the 334th Armed Helicopter Company, First Aviation Brigade, in Vietnam. There, he flew more than 1,000 combat hours.

After his active duty service, Maj. Gen. Rataczak was appointed as an officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard before transferring to the Arizona Army National Guard in 1982, where he served in a variety of roles, including as Commander, 385th Aviation Group, and Chief of Staff, Arizona Army National Guard. In 1996, he was appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General, Army, before being appointed Adjutant General in June 1999.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 37 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and Vietnam Campaign Medal, among many others.

Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:

“I’m sending my deep condolences to Major General Rataczak’s family and extending my gratitude for his decades of service. I know Arizonans join me in honoring his leadership and his legacy.”

Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.