COLUMBIA, S.C. – U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R- S.C.) presented Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., the adjutant general for S.C., with a signed copy of a section of legislation from the Congressional Record commemorating the recent elevation of the National Guard Bureau Chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The legislation is part of the National Defense Authorization Act which President Obama signed Dec. 31 It elevates the chief of the National Guard Bureau to statutory member on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Sen. Graham and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) worked together for the past five years as co-chairs of the Senate National Guard caucus to pass this historic legislation.

Graham said having the National Guard chief at the highest level of our national security advisors is direct recognition for the role the “citizen soldier” has played in our national defense since Sept. 11.

Graham added over 450,000 Guard members have deployed in the last 10 years, including more than 11,000 from South Carolina.

“This is a great way to start off the new year. The National Guard has a voice now to be fully integrated in the planning process when we go to war,” said Graham.

Graham said he sees members of the general public thanking returning military members at airports and train stations. This piece of legislation is a thank you from the Congress to our National Guard members and their families for their service and sacrifice in homeland security and deployments. Graham also mentioned in his remarks the highly successful active associate program at the 169th Fighter Wing.

Livingston, who returned this past weekend from visiting S.C. National Guard troops serving in Afghanistan, said this legislation will have a positive impact on morale, as it recognizes the contributions of the Guard and prepares our total military for the future.

“We are a community and this brings the voice of our communities to Washington through a military channel,” said Livingston.

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