CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Wyoming’s top military officer has passed his command over the state’s 3,100 airmen and soldiers to Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, April 1.
Maj. Gen. Ed Wright relinquished his command by passing the Wyoming Military Department guidon to Gov. Matt Mead. Wright served as Wyoming’s senior military leader for the past eight years.
“The Wyoming Military Department is definitely better then when he (Wright) assumed command eight years ago and his legacy is that of a battle hardened, lean organization prepared to meet our state and federal mission,” Reiner said, during his acceptance speech.
Reiner began his career in 1982 when he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard. He transferred to Wyoming in 1986, after graduating from the University of Nebraska where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and served in various field artillery positions. Most recently, Reiner served as the joint chief of staff for the Wyoming Military Department.
“It has been a good run over the last eight years. I leave knowing that the Military Department is in good hands as Maj. Gen. Reiner takes over the reins,” Wright said.
Wright, who began his career by being drafted in 1970 in support of the Vietnam War, was stationed in Germany until 1972. After being released from the Army, he continued his education in Arizona and Idaho. He then joined the Army National Guard in 1980. Wright will retire with more than 36 years of service, starting as a private.
Following the change of command ceremony, Wright was promoted to the honorary state rank of lieutenant general before his retirement.