Shellito announces retirement
The head of Minnesota's National Guard announced today that he's retiring when his seven-year term ends this fall.
Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito said he had the distinction of serving during a historic period, when 18,000 Minnesota guard troops were deployed overseas. His total guard career spans 37 years. During a news conference with Gov. 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," Shellito said. "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."
Pawlenty, who appointed Shellito to the position in 2003, was lavish in his praise.
"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 and done it in exemplary fashion and have done an outstanding job for our state," Pawlenty said."
Pawlenty said he's forming a search committee, and hopes to name Shellito's replacement by the end of August.
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