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Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Major General Larry Shellito, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, is retiring from his position at the end of his current seven-year term, effective October 31, 2010. “General Shellito has been a thoughtful, positive and inspiring leader for the Minnesota National Guard,” Governor Pawlenty said. “During the past seven years, our Guard soldiers, airmen, and their families have served with distinction here in Minnesota and around the world. General Shellito’s leadership has been a critical part of building our Guard’s outstanding reputation and our nation-leading programs to support Guard members when they return from deployments. On behalf of a grateful state, we thank General Shellito for his exemplary service.” Governor Pawlenty appointed Shellito to the position of Adjutant General in November 2003. His military career began in 1968 when he enlisted in the active-duty Army. Shellito received his commission as a second lieutenant - Infantry in 1969. In 1970, he went to Vietnam as a Mobile Advisory Team Senior Advisor. In 1973, Shellito enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Over his 37-year career in the Minnesota National Guard, Shellito served in many capacities including command assignments at the platoon, company, battalion, brigade and division levels. Shellito’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Parachute Badge. His military education includes U.S. Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army War College and Defense Strategy Course. Before accepting the position of Adjutant General, Shellito served as President of Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, Minnesota. “I’m thankful for the support of the citizens of Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty, and First Lady Mary Pawlenty, during my time leading the Minnesota National Guard,” General Shellito said. “My focus for my remaining term of service is on maintaining the readiness that our fellow citizens have come to expect of the Minnesota National Guard and ensuring that our nation-leading ‘Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’ program is well-positioned for a sustainable future. I am extremely proud of the Minnesota National Guard and am honored to have had the chance to serve.” Minnesota has the nation's fifth largest National Guard formation, with more than 14,000 members operating in 63 facilities throughout the state. Since 2003, the Minnesota National Guard has deployed more than 18,000 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen in support of military operations around the world. The Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, holds the record for the longest serving unit in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Minnesota National Guard also provides a ready, reliable force capable of assisting local authorities during floods, forest fires, blizzards, and in search and rescue efforts. Major General Shellito was instrumental in establishing the state’s "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" initiative, which is now the foundation of a national program to reintegrate National Guard and Reserve military service members following deployments. Governor Pawlenty also announced the creation of an Adjutant General Search Committee to screen and recommend top candidates for the position. The members of the Adjutant General Search Committee are:
The Committee will accept applications until Wednesday, June 23, 2010. All applicants should include a letter of interest, a resume, and references. The information should be sent to: Paul T. Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff Minnesota Statutes § 190.07 provides that “there shall be an adjutant general of the state who shall be appointed by the governor.” Applicants for the position must have the following qualifications, as required by Minnesota Statutes § 190.07:
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