Dalton Wright receives Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal

By: Silas Allen
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Col. Dalton Wright, of Lebanon, received the Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal at a ceremony at Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City on Dec. 29.

Wright serves as the civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army and the chairman of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission. Wright retired from the Missouri National Guard in April 2000.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, presented Wright with the medal and accompanying certificate at the ceremony.

Wright joined the Missouri National Guard as a helicopter pilot in 1978 after serving as a jet pilot in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

As the civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, Wright represents Secretary of the Army John McHugh at events. He frequently makes presentations to community organizations such as Rotary Clubs, as well as to ROTC units, and reports to McHugh twice a year.

"We try to enhance the image of the Army - the whole, total force," Wright said, including the Army National Guard and Reserve as well as the active Army.

As the chairman of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, Wright advises the Missouri General Assembly and the governor on issues concerning the military. He also helps to develop policies that improve the quality of life for Missouri's military personnel and their families.

"We just try to make Missouri a more military-friendly state," he said.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.