Chief visits Washington Guard facilities

Fort Lewis

Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, the adjutant general of Washing ton, and Brig. Gen. Jeff Mathis, the acting commander of I Corps at Fort Lewis, Wash., present a model Stryker vehicle to Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau at Camp Murray, Wash., March 10, 2010. The conversion of the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the Washington Army Guard into a Stryker BCT was one of the main topics of discussion.

CAMP MURRAY, Wash., - The Washington National Guard welcomed Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau here on Wednesday.

During his visit, McKinley was briefed by several key leaders within the organization regarding current issues, future readiness, training plans and accomplishments.

The general gave special recognition to Guard members responsible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. He ended his visit with a tour of the Western Air Defense Sector operations area and a briefing at the Secret Compartmental Information Facility.

"It was a pleasure to welcome Gen. McKinley to the Evergreen State," said Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard.

"He is a tremendous partner in our perpetual efforts to more effectively train, prepare and equip our citizen soldiers and airmen for their State and federal missions."