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Eighth (Field) Army general to retire after KR/FE 2010

Mar 16, 2010

By Walter T. Ham IV, 8th U.S. Army Public Affairs

COMMAND POST OSCAR, South Korea -- A former enlisted draftee who rose to the rank of major general will complete his service as an Eighth (Field) Army wartime general here during exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2010.

Maj. Gen. John E. Barnette, the head of the West Virginia Army National Guard and Eighth Army wartime general, will retire later this year after 43 years of service.

Barnette has served with Eighth Army for six years, deploying to Korea for the two major exercises that occur every year.

"My most favorable memories of my service with the Eighth Army will be the service with other like-minded patriots on the Eighth Army staff, the opportunity to continue to grow and learn as a Soldier and working with the many outstanding young men and women who serve our country so proudly," said Barnette.

As the West Virginia Assistant Adjutant General, he has commanded nearly 5,000 citizen Soldiers for the last 15 years.

"I was responsible for the strength and readiness for our units that were deployed at a higher per capita rate than any other state in the nation while maintaining the highest level of readiness and strength in the nation's National Guard," said Barnette.

During his more than four decades in uniform, Barnette has led the response to more than 70 emergenices and commanded a task force in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. Barnette said that 9/11 was a defining moment for citizen Soldiers.

"The biggest change that has occurred in my career has been the full integration of the National Guard and the Army Reserve into the total force after the fateful events of September 11th," said Barnette. "The resulting professionalism of the guard and its acceptance by its active duty counterparts has been most rewarding."

Barnette, who earned a doctorate degree from West Virginia University in 1990, will now serve as a professor at Mountain State University in Beckley, W.Va., teaching in the Masters in Strategic Leadership and Doctorate of Executive Leadership programs.

Calling today's warriors another "greatest generation," Barnette challenged them to continue to serve.

"Prepare yourself and your families well for enduring and protracted service, take care of yourself and continue to serve," said Barnette. "Our country and Army need you."