Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-1378
Blunt Nominates Adjutant General of Missouri National Guard
ST. LOUIS - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced that he has chosen Col. King E. Sidwell to fill the position of adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. As adjutant general, Sidwell will command the state's Army and Air National Guard.
The National Guard adjutant general reports to the governor, and is responsible for all state National Guard personnel, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Civil Air Patrol.
Sidwell, 54, brings 30 years of commissioned service to the office, including his most recent assignment as assistant corps engineer in the 35th Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood. Before being transferred to the retired reserve in August 2004, Sidwell was given a certificate of eligibility by the U.S. Senate for promotion to the rank of brigadier general.
Sidwell received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1972, a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1975, and a Master of Strategic Science from the United States Army War College in 2000. He is currently working as an attorney in his hometown of Sikeston.
"King Sidwell displays outstanding experience and a progressive vision for a capable, efficient and honorable National Guard program," Blunt said. "Sidwell's leadership at the Missouri National Guard will allow proper protection and assistance not only to the citizens of Missouri, but to the entire country if needed."
The appointment of Sidwell is subject to Senate confirmation.