TOPEKA, Kan. – Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general of Kansas, and senior leaders from around Kansas joined Col. Roger D. Murdock, former Kansas National Guard chief of the joint staff, in celebrating his 34 years of service to the organization Sept. 7. Murdock enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard in 1985 and shortly after earned a commission from Wichita State University Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Murdock took the stage in the Nickell Armory with fanfare and laughter thanking those who came to support him.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of you and I apologize for not recognizing you,” said Murdock.
He then began by naming some of the most influential people in his life.
Tafanelli and many others had heartfelt and comedic stories to share of Murdock’s past.
“Roger and I go back a few years on the engineering side of the house,” said Tafanelli. “He graduated from Wichita State and he doesn’t go too far without letting people know where he graduated,” said Tafanelli.
Lt. Col. Ken Weishaar, KSNG director of public works who acted as master of ceremony, made sure to keep the ceremony light hearted.
“Your notes here, Sir, said to tell the emcee that he did a good job,” said Weishaar.
Murdock began his speech with warm words to all his family members in attendance.
“I would like to thank my work family. There are so many people that have helped develop me so there is no way that I could mention them all,” said Murdock.
“When a senior leader asks you to take on a broadening assignment, do your best and learn what you can from it because you never know when that experience will come back to help you,” Murdock said.
“I know that I have left out hundreds of outstanding officers, noncommissioned officers and civilian staff members that I have worked with over the years,” Murdock said. “Thank you to you all for teaching me, for working hard for this agency and for putting up with me.”