KIEFNER LEAVES LASTING MARK ON GUARD QUALITY

Missouri's longest-serving adjutant general will step down in a few weeks. Maj. Gen. Charles M. Kiefner leaves behind a solid, well-prepared and proven fighting force. His strong leadership for more than 20 years will help ensure future achievement for Missouri's National Guard.

The Missouri Air and Army National Guard has undergone many changes since 1947, when Kiefner began working his way up the ranks after enlisting in the 140th Infantry Regiment of the Army National Guard in his hometown of Perryville.

Not only has the public respect for the Guard grown over the years, but so has legislative regard. In the early 1980s, Congress realized it would more efficient and cost-effective to update state National Guards rather than maintaining a large, standing Army and Air Force. That move resulted in stepped up training, and more full-time advisers in local armories across the nation. The effort paid off. The Guard proved its readiness in Desert Storm, serving alongside active-duty troops. Missouri's National Guard ranks up there with the best.

As Kiefner has guided this Guard upgrade, he has also directed training efforts around the globe. Missouri Guard units now train at different times of the year, and on almost every continent in the world. That training has afforded them knowledge of other cultures, as well as helping Third World countries.

For example, our local engineering unit has built roads and bridges in Honduras and Panama.

Kiefner provided leadership at the national level as well through his service with the National Guard Association of the United States. As president of that group, he met U.S. presidents and world leaders alike.

Kiefner has also provided leadership in battles closer to home. His enterprise and knowledge proved valuable in helping to derail a move by Congress to downgrade state Guard strength. Also leading the charge to keep the National Guard intact was Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond. Local communities and state officials across the nation proved valuable allies as well in retaining Guard strength.

Although Maj. General Kiefner retires with much pride in the state of the Guard, he also leaves with concerns. He worries about a move to change the Guard's mission to more of a "Peace Corps" role. He feels strongly that the primary mission of the Guard is one of preparation - "to fight in the defense and interests of this country in any theater of war in the world."

Local residents are familiar with the Guard's necessity - whether it be as active participants in Desert Storm, rescuing stranded citizens in disasters, or keeping the peace in civil emergencies. When the need arose, the Guard has ably answered the call - both here and aboard.

The next adjutant general, retired Col. Raymond L. Pendergrass, has some very large shoes to fill when he takes over March 6. Although he's retiring, Kiefner has made a lasting mark in Missouri. He leaves behind a highly-trained, professional National Guard that serves as a credit to the state, nation and its leader of 20-plus years. We salute Maj. Gen. Charles Kiefner and bid him well in his retirement.