National Guard General Officer Retires After 37 Years of Service

"I want to thank all the Soldiers, Airmen and their families for their service as members of the militia and service to the state and nation," - Brigadier General Raymond C. Byrne

Brigadier General Raymond C. Byrne Photo: Oregon Guard

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Army National Guard's Brigadier General Raymond C. Byrne, will be honored at a formal Retirement ceremony on Sunday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem.

His most recent assignment is the Assistant Adjutant General (Army) position, as such he acts as The Adjutant General in his absence. Brig. Gen. Byrne assumed duties as the Acting Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard on October 21st 2003.

As Acting Adjutant General, he had overall responsibility to direct, manage, and supervise all matters pertaining to the administration, discipline, organization, training and mobilization of the Oregon National Guard, the Oregon State Defense Force, and the Oregon Military Department.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon National Guard, he was responsible and accountable to ensure that the National Guard's and Oregon Military Department's policies, goals, and objectives are in concert with the Governor and legislature of the State. He was also responsible to the President of the United States and stipulations given by Congress concerning use of federal funds and National Guard personnel.

Byrne began his military service in 1971 as an enlisted soldier. He received his commission after attending Infantry Officer Candidate School. Prior to this assignment, he served as Commander, 41st Separate Infantry Brigade(Enhanced).

"I want to thank all the Soldiers, Airmen and their families for their service as members of the militia and service to the state and nation," states Byrne.

As a traditional National Guard Soldier Byrne has 37 years of total service. As a Citizen-Soldier, his full time civilian occupation as a middle school teacher spanned more than 21 years.

He is a resident of the McKenzie River Valley and looks forward to enjoying his retirement with family and friends.