Senator Jay Rockefeller

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Friday, January 21, 2011

Good afternoon friends and fellow West Virginians. We are gathered on this bittersweet day to honor the accomplishments of a great man and an even better leader. That man – General Tackett, has for the last 40 years led a dedicated group of men and women in service of our state and our nation. We are here today to honor General Tackett’s steady command, and celebrate the bright future of the Guard under his successor, General Hoyer. Our Generals and the entire West Virginia National Guard are worthy of his deepest gratitude and thanks for their efforts.

Throughout his four decade long career, General Allen Tackett has built the West Virginia National Guard into a nationally-respected outfit that’s always ready to answer the call to help – whatever it may be.  General Tackett has always taken the path that was best for the troops under his command and for the state of West Virginia.  The reward that he sought was not for himself, but for the entire state of West Virginia and the nation.

I’ve been fortunate to call Allen a friend for many years and I doubt anyone who has watched his tenure can dispute the change he’s made to the Guard Leaders like him simply do not come along very often. He has made West Virginia a better place to live and to work.

West Virginia has an unprecedented number of committed folks who volunteer to serve their Country. And General Tackett’s leadership has strengthened our selfless Guardsmen and the Guardswomen serving here today to reach their full potential. We have the strongest unit in the entire country. We are all proud that this Guard calls West Virginia home.  General Tackett has created a shining example of West Virginia’s talent and work ethic.

I think what has made Allen so successful are traits that I’ve always associated with Appalachia.  He possesses integrity and an unmatched strength of character; tools required of a man who leads more than 6,000 troops. He also has the unique ability to unite people of different backgrounds around a common goal.  Most importantly, he doesn’t believe in the words “it can’t be done.” 

During his time as Adjutant (Add-ja-tent) General, he always delivered what our troops need to be successful in their missions – both in the field and here at home by investing in infrastructure.  His modernization efforts have become an economic engine for communities throughout West Virginia that partnered with the Guard on more than $1 billion in construction projects. In the last 15 years, his leadership has been directly responsible for increasing federal money to West Virginia military programs tenfold. This has resulted in the creation of more than 1,000 new full-time jobs since 1995.

But his best trait is his deep regard for each and every soldier, airmen, West Virginian and American. He cares about people and his compassion is part of who he is.  Not everyone sees the respect and honor he has paid to his folks in quiet ways, but I have shared so many exchanges where his true personal connection was evident. I remember his genuine interest in and connection with individuals -- honoring them, their needs, and their families. He has seen off every unit prior to their deployment with special instruction to see that they return home, and he has frequently visited our men and women at Walter Reed Medical Center when they return from combat wounded.

As a former governor of this great state, who had the privilege of serving as the state’s Commander-in-Chief, I appreciate just how integral General Tackett’s leadership has been to West Virginia.  General, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to you and Sally Pat for all you have sacrificed for our country and for West Virginia. You mean so much to this state – and you always will. Your legacy lives in the lives that you’ve touched and the remarkable Guard unit that you’ve built which protects our families and our nation.

You leave big shoes to fill, but I know you leave your Guard in the trusted and capable hands of General Hoyer, who has benefited from insights and wisdom He will be a great new leader of this unit but today I want to join everyone in this room in wishing you the very best and thanking you for your service.

Thank you.