Gov. Nixon Named to Bipartisan Council of Governors by President Obama

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon was selected on Thursday (Feb. 4) by President Barack Obama to serve on the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group established last month by an executive order from the President. The purpose of the Council is to advise and work closely with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the White House Homeland Security Council, and other national defense and security officials on matters related to the National Guard and homeland defense.

"Close cooperation and communication between the federal government and the states are vital if we are to make the most effective use of state resources on matters of national defense and homeland security," Gov. Nixon said. "Having personally seen the accomplishments of the Missouri National Guard both here in Missouri and in Afghanistan, my focus on this Council will be to ensure that we continue to use our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen to the best effect possible on these fronts."

"As Commander-In-Chief of the Missouri National Guard, Gov. Nixon has repeatedly demonstrated his full support of our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, both in our home state and deployed overseas," said Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard. "Gov. Nixon's extensive experience in government and policy make him exceptionally well-suited to provide expert advice to the President, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security on matters relating to the National Guard and Homeland Defense."

"Gov. Nixon's appointment to the Council shows his strong support of the National Guard and Reserves, as well as Missouri's military and veteran population," said Larry D. Kay, executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission. "Gov. Nixon will provide a strong voice as Missouri and the nation move forward in taking care of our veterans, active duty service members, and their families."

The Council of Governors will be co-chaired by Gov. James H. Douglas, of Vermont; and Gov. Chris Gregoire, of Washington. Other members of the Council, in addition to Gov. Nixon, are: Gov. Janice K. Brewer, of Arizona; Gov. Luis G. Fortuño, of Puerto Rico; Gov. Brad Henry, of Oklahoma; Gov. Robert F. McDonnell, of Virginia; Gov. Martin O'Malley, of Maryland; Gov. Beverly Eaves Perdue, of North Carolina; and Gov. M. Michael Rounds, of South Dakota.

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