Gov. Schwarzenegger names first woman, 25-year veteran to lead California National Guard
By APMonday, February 1, 2010
First woman set to lead California National Guard
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed the first woman to head the California National Guard, the nation’s largest guard unit.
The governor’s office made the announcement Monday. It said Brigadier General Mary Kight (kite) also will be the first black woman to become adjutant general of a state’s National Guard. She takes command Tuesday after a swearing-in ceremony.
Kight, who is 59, is a 25-year California guard veteran. She has been assistant adjutant general since 2006 and previously spent seven years in the Air Force.
She replaces General William Wade, who will become a deputy chief of staff with a North Atlantic Treaty Organization force in Italy.
Kight will lead 16,600 Army National Guard and nearly 4,800 Air National Guard members. The post pays $180,201 a year and requires confirmation by the state Senate.
