Maj. Gen. Robert B. Moorhead: Friend, ambassador to Indiana

Story courtesy of Indiana National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS (10/13/09) -- The Indiana National Guard has bid farewell to a leader, who has inspired and mentored generations of National Guard and civic leaders for nearly seven decades.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert G. Moorhead, age 88, passed away on Oct. 11.

Although well-known in national and military circles, “R.G,” as he was closely known to friends and associates, was deeply involved and committed to the betterment and welfare of the Indianapolis and Indiana communities.

Moorhead dedicated 36 years of service to the U.S. military. He served as the assistant adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, assistant division commander and later commander of the 38th Infantry Division (ID).

His military career carries on a legacy that dates back to the latter years of the 19th century, when his father Robert L. Moorhead was in the Indiana National Guard and later commanded a National Guard organization in Europe during World War I. His father served in Europe in World War II before joining the Indiana Army National Guard in 1948 and eventually commanding the 38th ID.

In the spring of 1976, he became the first National Guard officer to serve as deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), serving until 1978. Even following retirement, Moorhead’s opinion and expertise were still in demand at national levels and resulted in appointment to many committees.

Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar issued a statement of personal loss and condolences to Maj. Gen. Moorhead’s family.

“I am especially grateful for General Moorhead's leadership each year organizing the annual Armed Forces Day celebration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Lugar. “I have been honored to participate in (the event) for the past 28 years which recognizes the important military service of Indiana’s men and women.”

Upon notification of Maj. Gen. Moorhead’s passing Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, immediately requested and received authorization from Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to lower flags at armories and installations across the state.

“As a representative of the Indiana National Guard I learned quickly that one of my primary responsibilities was to deliver regards from hundreds of well-wishers from across the country to General Moorhead,” said Umbarger. “The state has lost one of its finest friends and ambassadors.”

In 1999, Maj. Gen. Moorhead spoke in a letter to Sen. Lugar of his admiration for his home state’s commitment to veterans and patriotic zeal after the dedication of the Medal of Honor Memorial he helped realize in Indianapolis.

“As the 20th century draws to a close, many wonder if the nation has lost sight of the sacrifices which have been made to preserve freedom,” said Moorhead. “After this Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis, my heart remains swollen with pride in our land and my fellow citizens.”

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