NEW: Gov. Patrick Swears in National Guard Adjutant General

Friday, December 07, 2012

GolocalWorcester News Team

Major General L. Scott Rice was sworn in as the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard today by Governor Deval Patrick. Major General Rice has served as Acting Adjutant General since April.

“Major General Rice is a highly decorated and experienced leader, and has commanded air missions around the world,” said Governor Patrick. “Over the past several months he has amply demonstrated his readiness to lead our Guard troops as Adjutant General.”

Before today’s appointment, Major General Rice served as Acting Adjutant General, as well as the commander of Massachusetts Air National Guard and the Air National Guard assistant to the commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe.

"It's an honor to serve as the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. I look forward to continuing the Minuteman tradition that started right here in Massachusetts 376 years ago this month," said Major General L. Scott Rice.

Major General Rice will now oversee administration and operation of 8,500 soldiers and airmen of the state’s National Guard, ensuring that the Guard will continue to be a well-trained, equipped and mission-ready force to respond to a state emergency declared by the Governor, or be responsive to a national security mission.

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray also spoke of Major General Rice’s achievements, saying, “I join Governor Patrick in congratulating Major General Rice as the new Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard.”

Since September 11, 2001, the Massachusetts National Guard has deployed more than 12,000 soldiers and airmen overseas.

Murray, who also serves at the Chair of the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, added, “As we work to promote, protect and support the state’s six military installations, Major General Rice has been an incredible partner and leader representing the Commonwealth’s brave soldiers and airmen, and our investments, jobs, and missions across all of our military bases.”

Over the last several months, Major General Rice has also worked closely with Lieutenant Governor Murray as a member of the state’s Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. With Governor Patrick’s support, Lieutenant Governor Murray issued an Executive Order in February 2012 establishing the Task Force to formally bring together public and private partners to support the state’s military bases.