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NEWS | Feb. 10, 2010

CNGB statement on Rep. Murtha's death

By General Craig R. McKinley Chief, National Guard Bureau

While Chairman Murtha was a tireless advocate for the Pennsylvania National Guard, he was also a national leader who consistently pressed for a stronger National Guard nationwide. He was particularly dedicated to improving the quantity and quality of National Guard equipment.

His support for the Guard was evident through his strong support for added funding through the defense appropriation subcommittee, which he led. Congressman Murtha also championed important reforms to laws governing the National Guard.

He was an early prominent public supporter of the legislation enacted in 2007 which strengthened the voice of the National Guard inside the Pentagon through several changes, which included making the National Guard Bureau a joint activity of DoD and elevating the position of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to 4-star rank.

Congressman Murtha's powerful and consistent advancement of the National Guard has been profound and he will be deeply missed.

 

 

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