Nevada Gov. Guinn names Col. Cynthia Kirkland to Top State Military Leader

Nevada Gov. Guinn names Col. Cynthia Kirkland to Top State Military Leader

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF NEVADA
 
CARSON CITY Gov. Kenny Guinn today announced that he has named Colonel Cynthia Kirkland as Nevada’s new Adjutant General. Kirkland replaces Major General Giles Vanderhoof, who is retiring after serving as the state’s military chief of staff and commander of more than 3,000 members of the Nevada Air and Army National Guard since 2001.
 
Cynthia Kirkland has more than 30 years of experience, and has an unmatched and thorough understanding of the entire Nevada National Guard, Gov. Guinn said. What is equally exciting is her ability to see well into the future. She has a strong grasp of the ever-evolving role the Nevada National Guard will play in the future of our state. From large-scale emergency response events to Homeland Defense and Security efforts, Colonel Kirkland’s knowledge is extensive. I have every confidence she will be an outstanding and visionary Adjutant General……

Gov. Guinn also expressed his admiration for Vanderhoof, who first enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard immediately upon his graduation from Sparks High School in 1959.

Two words come to mind when I think of Giles: honor and integrity, Gov. Guinn said. He has brought great honor to our state throughout his 46-year association with the Guard, and he has always done his job admirably, with great integrity. He is one of the best leaders our state will ever see. I’ve relied on his expertise on a number of different occasions. Every time, I knew his advice was right, and that he was always taking the most prudent action for the benefit and safety of Nevada’s citizens. He’s always been a humble, caring and courageous person.

The State of Nevada owes him a sincere debt of gratitude.

Kirkland, 51, has lived in Nevada since 1977 since being honorably discharged from the Navy. She has served as the Adjutant General’s Joint Headquarters Chief of Staff since 2003, primarily acting as senior advisor in the direct chain of command of the Nevada Guard. Whenever the Adjutant General has been unavailable, Kirkland has served as Acting Adjutant in managing the affairs of the Guard.

I’m so honored to be given this opportunity by Governor Guinn, Kirkland said. I look forward to serving the Governor and the men and women of the Nevada National Guard. I will do everything in my power to keep us on track. Adjutant General Vanderhoof has set an extremely high standard, and I will continue to push the Guard forward. I’m looking forward to making a difference for the men and women of the Guard, and the citizens of our state.

Kirkland’s previous positions in the Guard have included Air National Guard Chief of Staff, 2000-2003; State Public Information Officer for Nevada National Guard, 1995-2000; Communications Flight Commander, 1988-95; Guardsman in Nevada Air National Guard, 1982-88. She was also a Benefits Counselor for the Veterans Administration from 1977-88. Kirkland is a 1992 Business Administration graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno.

Gov. Guinn also praised the other two finalists for the Adjutant General position: Brigadier General Randall Sayre and Colonel Louis Cabrera.

It’s just too bad that we don’t have three Adjutant General positions, Gov. Guinn said. All three candidates have outstanding records of achievement. I enjoyed interviewing Brigadier General Sayre and Colonel Cabrera they’re exceptionally talented leaders in their own right. I want to commend them for seeking this most important post. There is a reason why our Guard in this state is so universally respected we have an unbelievable wealth of talented leaders.