Missouri National Guard > News and Media

Archive: August, 2020

‘Always forward; never back’ Missouri National Guard soldier becomes the first female commander of an infantry rifle unit
August 25, 2020 — JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Capt. April Bruner is the first female commander of a rifle company in the Missouri National Guard as part of the evolution of female integration into combat arms established three years ago by the Department of Defense. Bruner, who enlisted in 2010, said her aspirations to serve as a commissioned officer began during her time as a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear specialist as an enlisted soldier while deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Little did she know at the time, that she would not only accomplish this goal but would also become the first female combat arms rifle company commander in the Missouri Army National Guard... MORE

Col. Matthew Calhoun named commander of Missouri National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing
August 4, 2020 — JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s Adjutant General has named a new commander for the National Guard’s only B-2 Spirit stealth bomber wing. Brig. Gen. Levon Cumpton announced Col. Matthew D. Calhoun will lead the 131st Bomb Wing. “Col. Calhoun is an outstanding leader with a track record of excellence,” Cumpton said. “He brings a wealth of command experience from both his time as an active duty Airman with the 509th Bomb Wing and as a Guardsman with the 131st BW. His unique perspective will strengthen our partnership and enhance the B-2 mission.” ... MORE