News Release
Governor Martz Announces Leadership Change in National Guard
6/7/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
Prendergast will be retiring August 31, 2004, from his capacity as Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard and Director of the Montana
Department of Military Affairs. Governor Martz also announced that Brigadier General Randall D. Mosely has been appointed to succeed General Prendergast effective September 1.
Federal regulations that mandate retirement from the United States military
upon reaching the age of 64. General Prendergast will turn 64 in August of
2004. General Mosely will serve as Adjutant General through the remainder of
Governor Martz's term in office.
The complete text of Governor Martz's remarks are attached.
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Governor Judy Martz
Special Press Briefing
June 1, 2004
Governor's Reception Room
10:30 AM
**Check Against Delivery**
Good Morning. Thank you for being here on short notice.
This is a bittersweet moment for me as the Commander in Chief of the
Montana National Guard.
It is bitter in that on the 31st of this August Major General Gene
Prendergast will retire from active military service.
General Prendergast leaves the highest military post in Montana after 46
years of service to Montana and the entire United States. Although I would
like nothing more than for the General to stay to the end of my term as
Governor, Federal regulations prohibit it.
I am at the same time, however, very pleased to announce that I will be
appointing Brigadier General Randy Mosley to serve as the Adjutant General
for the Montana National Guard, effective September l, 2004, for at least
the remainder of my term as Governor.
General Mosely began his military career in 1970 as an ROTC graduate from
the University of Montana. He served on active duty during the Vietnam
Conflict until 1972 as a combat helicopter pilot.
When it became clear that General Prendergast's term could not be extended,
I knew that I would turn to General Mosely as his successor. I have known
General Mosely for a number of years and believe he is best suited to serve
as Montana's next Adjutant General at this time.
I know how closely General Prendergast and General Mosley work together.
These are two outstanding leaders and I am proud to have them as friends
and colleagues in service to Montana.
In these very difficult and changing times for our nation and for our
military men and women and their families, it is comforting to have
soldiers like Generals Gene Prendergast and Randy Mosley in the leadership of Montana's National Guard.
I know the fine traditions and quality of service we have seen under
General Prendergast's leadership will continue under General Mosley.
There will be a formal change of command ceremony at Fort Harrison in early
September. Until then, Generals Prendergast and Mosley will continue to
serve in their current capacities.
At this time I'd like to ask General Prendergast if he has a few words to
share with us. I am sure he must. General...
General Mosely, I am sure you would like to say a few words as well.
Please
do.
We can take any questions.
-end-
# # #
Kris Goss
Education Policy Advisor and Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
