Missouri celebrates National Guard’s 375th birthday

Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, celebrated with Soldiers, Airmen, Family members and supporters for the National Guard's 375th Birthday. The National Guard is the oldest component of the nation's armed forces. (Photo by Capt. Michelle Matthews/70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

By Capt. Michelle Matthews
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

LAKE OZARK, Mo. - Missouri's adjutant general invited Soldiers, Airmen and Family members from across the state to gather to celebrate the National Guard's 375th birthday during a formal ball at the Lake of the Ozarks on December 17.

More than 400 Citizen-Soldiers, Airman, Families and distinguished guests, including Gov. Jay Nixon, gathered to recognize the organization for its many great accomplishments from 1636 to 2011.

"The Missouri National Guard has a stellar history of service to state and country," Nixon said. "But there has never been a time when its star has shined any more brightly than in 2011. I could not be prouder of your performance at a time when the people of your state needed you the most this year."

The Guard had a vital role in flood relief missions on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, the worst blizzard to hit Missouri in decades, and a tornado that claimed 161 lives in Joplin, the Guard had a vital role in helping the state recover, Nixon said.

Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, said the governor has been a tireless advocate for the Guard.

"I cannot say enough about the support the governor has given us," Danner said. "And that's not just being there in those missions that he has assigned to us, but individually, on the council of governors, arguing for more full-time manning, for more Family programs, for more mental health programs, for more resiliency programs."

The governor traced the Guard's history of service back to its origins during colonial times when the land was marked by small settlements along the coast.

"The tradition that began back then of Citizen-Soldiers ready to leave their farms and their homes at a moment's notice to protect their fellow citizens is one that has been faithfully carried for more than three and three-quarters centuries," Nixon said. "Through times of peace and times of conflict, the National Guard has carried out its duty with courage, skill, and determination. That has certainly held true for the Missouri National Guard since the days when Missouri was the frontier and the militia was always at the ready."

This year's ball marks the event's third year. Maj. Gen. Danner and his wife, Katie Steele Danner, have seen the ball grow in size every year since.

"I enjoy hosting the event because it is an opportunity to bring together Army, Air, support staff and civilians to celebrate the National Guard and all we do," said Danner.

In addition to the governor's remarks, several videos were played to commemorate the Missouri National Guards contributions for 2011. The state's command chief, Command Chief Master Sgt. Bill Phillips, was also recognized for his contributions to the Missouri Air National Guard as he approaches retirement.

Music was provided by the Missouri Air National Guard Band Sidewinder stationed at Lambert Airport in Saint Louis, Missouri. The honor guard from Smith-Cotton High school JROTC, posted and retired the colors for the evening's events and provided a special drill and ceremony show during the event.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog

Governor Jay Nixon celebrated with Soldiers, Airmen, Family members and supporters for the National Guard's 375th Birthday. The National Guard is the oldest component of the nation's armed forces. (Photo by Capt. Michelle Matthews/70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Music was provided by the Missouri Air National Guard Band Sidewinder stationed at Lambert Airport in Saint Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Capt. Michelle Matthews/70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)