Head of Minnesota National Guard announces retirement plans

Adjutant Gen. Larry Shellito
Adjutant Gen. Larry Shellito, commander of the Minnesota National Guard.
MPR Photo/Art Hughes

The head of Minnesota's National Guard announced Wednesday that he's retiring when his seven-year term ends this fall.

Major General Larry Shellito says he had the distinction of serving during a historic period, when 18,000 Minnesota guard troops were deployed overseas.

During a news conference with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Shellito said he wants to make sure there is a seamless leadership transition. He said he decided to retire because he will soon be 65-years old.

"If I were to be re-appointed, I could only serve about six months. And that would be totally unacceptable in my viewpoint. So, it's a matter of the term is up, the age doesn't make me eligible again. Minnesota would have to change the law and literally pick up the tab, and that's not going to happen. I wouldn't recommend it. And also I'm tired," Shellito said.

Gov. Pawlenty said he's forming a five-member search committee, and hopes to name Shellito's replacement by the end of August. Pawlenty was lavish in his praise of Shellito, who he appointed to the job in 2003.

"It's a very challenging time for the Minnesota National Guard and the military more broadly," Pawlenty said. "But at every juncture, every time there's been a challenge, every time there's been a request, Gen. Shellito and the Minnesota National Guard have answered the call."

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