McKinley closes inaugural senior leadership conference

By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
National Guard Bureau

Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, thanks the more than 2,400 Army and Air National Guard senior servicemembers from across the nation Nov. 21, 2009 for their participation in the inaugural Joint Senior Leadership Conference at National Harbor outside Washington, D.C. “It’s been a great three days,” said McKinley. (Photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith, National Guard Bureau (Released)
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WASHINGTON (11/21/09) -- Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, closed his first Joint Senior Leadership Conference here today by thanking the 2,400 participants from around the country.

“I don’t have all of the ideas,” he said. “The strength I get is from the energy in this room."

“Adding Value to America” was the theme for the Guard’s senior leaders, who heard this week from top Department of Defense and other government officials.

“They have challenged us to look at our principles,” said McKinley.

McKinley commented on the “constant operations” of the Guard, saying to the senior leaders that they have “always stayed ahead of the game, committed to what they are doing.”

He added that the quality of today’s Minutemen is “unprecedented,” but warned them not to “rest on their laurels.”

The general acknowledged the increased stress on the force and said that support of the Guard’s families and employers is something the leaders must keep energized.

“It’s been a great three days,” said McKinley.

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