Major General Nash to Continue Service as Adjutant General of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2016

ST. PAUL, Minn.-After a successful appeal by Governor Mark Dayton to former National Guard Bureau Chief General Frank J. Grass, Major General Richard C. Nash will continue serving the state of Minnesota as Adjutant General until the state’s mandatory retirement, through October 31, 2017. Without Governor Dayton’s action, Major General Nash would have faced retirement under the national requirement, which would have taken effect September 30, 2016.

“Major General Nash is an exceptional leader who has served our state and nation with great distinction,” said Governor Dayton. “His leadership and experience are invaluable to the Minnesota National Guard and the citizens of our state. I thank General Grass and Secretary of Defense Ash Carter for granting this extension, and I thank Major General Nash for continuing his outstanding service to Minnesota.”

In his letter to General Grass, ultimately approved by Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, Governor Dayton highlighted the essential service of Major General Nash to Minnesota’s Homeland Security and Emergency Response. The Governor’s letter also highlighted the essential work of General Nash on the development of a rail and pipeline safety training facility at Camp Ripley, the completion of Minnesota’s continuity of government contingency plan, and his relationships with other military and political leaders, among other functions.

In his letter, Governor Dayton suggests that he may approach the Minnesota Legislature about a change of state statute that would allow Major General Nash to serve out the remainder of the Governor’s term.

About Major General Richard C. Nash

Major General Richard C. Nash became the 30th Adjutant General of the State of Minnesota on November 1, 2010. Prior to this position, his recent assignments included Commanding General of the United States Division-South in Iraq, Commanding General of the 34th Infantry Division in Rosemount, Minn., and Special Assistant to the Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command Combatant Commander.

General Nash’s military service began when he was drafted into the US Army Infantry in 1972. He would go on to command at all levels, from company to multinational. General Nash received his Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State University before attending the United States Army War College. For his dedicated service to his country demonstrated by the courageous fulfillment of his assignments, General Nash has earned many awards. His honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, and NATO medal, among others.