Washington State Guard Change of Command Announcement

Col. Terry Larue, commander, Washington State Guard talks with Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general, Washington Military Department during the Cascadia Rising exercise on June 10, 2016 at Camp Murray. 

The Washington State Guard will say goodbye to Col. Terry Larue, and welcome Lt. Col. (Ret) Brad Klippert during a change of command ceremony on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. on Camp Murray. The ceremony will occur immediately following Klippert’s promotion to Colonel.

“We will miss Terry’s leadership and passion,” said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general, Washington Military Department. “Terry led his team through some of the state’s worst disasters, and leaves big shoes to fill. I’m confident Brad Klippert has the energy and expertise to seamlessly lead as the new commander of the Washington State Guard. Brad brings to the position nearly 30 years of military service, and he knows our organization well – both as a traditional soldier and a member of the state Legislature.”

The Washington State Guard is an all-volunteer unit organized under the Washington Military Department. Its members come from all walks of life. They normally serve without remuneration and meet monthly, or more often as needed, within organized units stationed at strategic locations throughout the state.

The mission of the Washington State Guard is to provide organized units that are equipped and trained in the protection of life or property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety under competent orders of state authorities.

The Washington State Guard serves at the direction of the state’s Adjutant General. It is always ready to provide trained personnel to support civil government authority, provide for the protection and preservation of life or property during natural or manmade disasters or civil emergencies, and rapidly and effectively respond to search, rescue, or recovery operations. Additionally, the members of the Washington State Guard effectively execute state homeland defense missions and participate as active members and contributing citizens of our local communities.