The Indiana National Guard is preparing to bid farewell to a leader who has inspired and mentored generations of National Guard and civic leaders for nearly seven decades.
Maj. Gen. (Retired) Robert G. Moorhead, age 88, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Although well-known in national and military circles, R.G. as he was closely known to friends and associates, was deeply involved and committed to the betterment and welfare of the Indianapolis and Indiana communities.
Maj. Gen. Moorhead dedicated 36 years of service to the United States military. He served as the Assistant Adjutant General of Indiana, Assistant Division Commander, 38th Infantry Division and Commander, 38th Infantry Division.
His military career carried on a legacy that dates back to the latter years of the 19th Century when his father Robert L. Moorhead was in the Indiana National Guard and later, commanded a National Guard organization in Europe during World War I.
Maj. Gen. Moorhead served in Europe in World War II before joining the Indiana Army National Guard in 1948, eventually commanding the 38th Infantry Division. The legacy continued with his son, Maj. Gen. (Retired) Richard B. Moorhead, who also commanded the 38th Infantry Division before his retirement in 2008.
In the spring of 1976, he became the first National Guard officer to serve as deputy commanding general of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, serving until 1978. Even following retirement, Maj. Gen. Moorhead's opinion and expertise were still in demand at National levels; resulting in his appointment to many committees.
Senior Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar issued a statement of personal loss and condolences to Maj. Gen. Moorhead's family.
"I am especially grateful for General Moorhead's leadership each year organizing the annual Armed Forces Day celebration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," said Sen. Lugar. "... I have been honored to participate in [the event] for the past 28 years which recognizes the important military service of Indiana's men and women."
In 1979, he assumed the chairmanship of the National Guard Public Affairs Development Committee. He continued serving his nation as the president of the Second Region of the Association of the United States Army. In the 1980's he was selected as the only Army National Guard retiree State representative to serve on the Executive Council of the National Guard of the United States.
Upon notification of Maj. Gen. Moorhead's passing Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, immediately requested and received authorization from Gov. Mitch Daniels to lower flags at armories and installations across the state.
"As representative of the Indiana National Guard I learned quickly that one of my primary responsibilities was to deliver regards from hundreds of well-wishers from across the country to general Moorhead," said Maj. Gen. Umbarger. "The state has lost one of its finest friends and ambassadors."
Equally active in his community he supported an exhaustive list of civic organizations as president or member of executive boards: The Indianapolis Armed Forces Day Council, Fort Harrison Reuse Committee; 500 Festival Committee, Kiwanis International Foundation to name a very few.
Last year, Kiwanis International recognized Maj. Gen. Moorhead, naming a multi-million dollar international leadership education center and auditorium in his honor. Additionally, he sponsors an annual scholarship through the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis.
Maj. Gen. Moorhead was also instrumental in the establishment of WFYI, the local National Public Broadcasting affiliate in Indianapolis and served as president of the station's board.
Lloyd Wright, president and CEO of WFYI said Maj. Gen. Moorhead was well-loved at WFYI and will be missed by all.
"WFYI has been fortunate over the years to have such a good friend in Bob Moorhead. From our earliest years of operation, Bob served in nearly every capacity of volunteer leadership within our organization — including Chair of our board of directors," said Wright. "There was no one better at pulling together resources to get the job done and to help build our community than Robert Moorhead."
In 1988 he was awarded the Benjamin Harrison Medallion for significant contributions to the development and growth of the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. He maintained a strong affinity with his Alma Mater, Indiana University, and its quest for furthering education, and he was the owner of Central Publishing Company.
In 1999, Maj. Gen. Moorhead spoke in a letter to Sen. Lugar of his admiration for his home state's commitment to veterans and patriotic zeal after the dedication of the Medal of Honor Memorial he helped realize in Indianapolis:
"As the 20th century draws to a close, many wonder if the nation has lost sight of the sacrifices which have been made to preserve freedom," said Maj. Gen. Moorhead. "After this Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis, my heart remains swollen with pride in our land and my fellow citizens."
Undoubtedly Maj. Gen. Moorhead's legacy of involvement and achievement will live long after him. The city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the United States of America will miss him, but will always benefit from having known Citizen Soldier Maj. Gen. Robert G
| Date Taken: |
10.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
10.13.2009 13:59 |
| Story ID: |
40043 |
| Location: |
US |
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