Three retired Guard members to enter Army Guard Hall of Honor

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Three outstanding former Guard Soldiers have been chosen to enter the prestigious Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor. A special committee of current and past Guard Soldiers selected retired Brig. Gen. James Daley of Janesville, Wis., retired Maj. Lynn Rasmussen of Madison, Wis., and retired Command Chief Warrant Officer William Richardson of Middleton, Wis., to receive one of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's highest honors for exceptional achievement and devotion to duty.

They join the ranks of 43 individuals who previously received the Wisconsin Army National Guard's highest honor for exceptional achievement and devotion to duty.

Daley enlisted in the Marines in 1966, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during a 1967-68 tour in Vietnam. He attended Officer Candidate School in the Wisconsin National Guard in 1977 and subsequently held a number of deputy and director positions, including director of personnel and administration for the state area command. He commanded the 32nd Infantry Brigade from 1998-2001 and again from 2002-03, serving as assistant adjutant general for readiness and training from 2001-02. Following a six-month active duty assignment as a senior transformation analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Daley finished his military career as assistant adjutant general for the Joint Staff and commander of the state Joint Task Force.

Rasmussen enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard in 1975 and was assigned to the 132nd Support Battalion. She attended Officer Candidate School in 1979, and served in various company and battalion roles such as platoon leader, company commander, personnel, logistics and maintenance management. She completed her Active Guard and Reserve tour in 1990 and retired as a Major from the Wisconsin National Guard in 1995. Rasmussen has received numerous civilian awards regarding her work with the Department of Military Affairs.

Richardson enlisted as a Marine in 1966 and served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps Band - the President's Own. Subsequently joining the Wisconsin National Guard's 132nd Army Band, Richardson was appointed as bandmaster in 1977 at the rank of warrant officer 1. He led the band through numerous governor's inaugurations and other official celebrations, improving the band's performance and reputation as well as bringing credit and recognition to the Wisconsin National Guard. He culminated his career as the state Command Chief Warrant Officer from 2002-03.

A public induction ceremony will be held at the Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall Joint Force Headquarters May 15.