TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The State of Kansas’s head military officer has added another rank to his uniform.
The governor presented a major general’s star to Kansas Adjutant General Michael Venerdi, representing Maj. Gen. Venerdi’s promotion from Brigadier General.
“From responding to emergency operations to assuring robust national defense coordination, he has consistently demonstrated that effective leadership goes beyond strategy,” Gov. Kelly said during the ceremony. “It requires empathy, insight, and vision.“
Maj. Gen. Venerdi has served with the US Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Kansas Air National Guard since his academy graduation in 1991.
He’s also served as Governor Laura Kelly’s Adjutant general since April of last year. In that post, as the Adjutant general’s Office puts it, the Major General is responsible for coordinating state agencies during disasters and overseeing the training and preparation of Kansas’ more than 7,700 National Guard members.
“I commend General Michael Venerdi on his promotion to major general,” Gov. Kelly said. “His leadership as my adjutant general has been exemplary. I have no doubt he will continue to serve my administration and Kansas in the same manner.”
“The Kansas National Guard has provided me an opportunity to serve my state and nation to the best of my ability,” Maj. Gen. Venerdi said. “Being adjutant general has given me greater opportunities to do just that and I am grateful to Governor Kelly for her trust in me.”