Assistant adjutant general retires from Missouri National Guard.

By Pfc. Elise Higgins
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo - The assistant adjutant general for the Missouri National Guard was honored by friends, Family and Guardsmen during a retirement ceremony at the Ike Skelton Training Site for his 31 years of service with the Missouri National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Larry D. Kay, assistant adjutant general - Army Maneuver, retired in a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters on Saturday. Adjutant general of Missouri, Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, said Kay helped with formulation, development and implantation of programs and policies in the Missouri National Guard.

"He is one of a kind," said Danner. "I've had a lot of faith in his capabilities and relied on his wisdom and advice. I am very appreciative personally of his service."

Kay led the largest deployment of Missouri's Citizen-Soldiers since World War I from 2008-2009. As the commander of Multinational Task Force East in Kosovo, Kay was responsible for leading more than 1,000 Missourians in theater.

Kay began his military career as a flight medic in 1979. He is a Veteran of Operation Desert Storm, where he served as the executive officer for the 1267th Medical Company.

Kay said his retirement opens up a new path for new leadership at the highest levels of the Missouri National Guard. He saw his retirement as his final duty as a Soldier.

"This is great day. I felt like I was coming up on my time, and this is it," said Kay. "It's a healthy organizational turnover whenever a general leaves."

Danner also offered Kay's wife, Karen, a special thank you for her support and strength throughout her husband's career. Kay said he strongly believes in Family and thanked his friends and Family for their support.

"I encourage senior noncommissioned officers and leaders to take care of their families because that is what keeps us strong," said Kay.

In attendance at the ceremony were his mother, wife, Karen, and children James and Anna.

Upon retirement, Kay plans to continue working closely with the Missouri National Guard as the executive director for the State of Missouri Veterans Commission.

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




For more information about this release, please contact the Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Office at (573) 638-9846 or e-mail at ngmo.pao@us.army.mil.