The Monument Fine Arts theater in Rapid City played host to the communities second change of command ceremony in as many months – this time, for the state National Guard. The event brought some big names out to West River.
There are many sounds associated with a change of command ceremony – and the band is just one of them – to mark the ascension of Mark R. Morrell to the rank of Major General. He is now the 23rd adjutant general in the history of the state national guard.
After the oath was administered by Gov. Kristi Noem, Morrell offered remarks to the guard members in attendance.
“To Gov. Noem, the commander-in-chief of the South Dakota National Guard, ma’am I’m honored to continue my service to this new team in a leadership role and as part of your cabinet," Morrell said. "You’ve taken a chance in hiring an old fighter pilot – and for that I am grateful. As I told you when you interviewed me, I’m a warrior in both identity and in practice. These, our fellow citizen warriors here today and across our state, will have our full effort in serving them and the citizens of South Dakota.”
After the ceremony finished, the governor briefly took questions. She says this position has the power to make change in the Guard.
“There may be some individuals in the ranks who receive promotions because of a new adjutant general coming in, but also, I’d say they get the chance to be their commander-in-chief of the National Guard," Noem said. "While a lot of the strategic decisions the governor makes as their commander-in-chief, they still have authority to make some structure changes in how we can place and utilize the assets that are within the National Guard.”
Former adjutant general Jeffrey Marlette will be retiring after 36 years of military experience.