Vermont Business Magazine The Norwich University Corps of Cadets and broader community will pay tribute to all veterans on Tuesday, November 10 with a special remembrance ceremony at 1 pm on the Upper Parade Ground. Highlighting the ceremony will be guest speaker Brigadier General Gary W. Keefe ’86, chief of staff of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Keefe graduated Norwich with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and commissioned in 1986. He completed his active duty service in 1992, at which time he joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard with the 104th Fighter Wing as an active guard/reservist. Keefe holds a Master of Science in Management from Lesley University and attended Air War College, National Defense University, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Keefe serves as chief of staff for the Massachusetts Air National Guard at the Massachusetts Joint Force Headquarters at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass. He is the principal advisor to senior leaders, helping oversee the administration, coordination, planning, development and execution of all Air National Guard and National Guard Joint Staff programs. He ensures that 8,200 soldiers and airmen of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are prepared for contingency operations in both federal and state emergencies.
Embodying the Norwich model of citizen soldier, Keefe also serves in a civilian occupation as the assistant adjutant general and executive officer for the Military Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A statutory state employee position, Keefe serves as the full-time liaison for the adjutant general, the Massachusetts Army National Guard land component commander, and the Massachusetts Air National Guard air component commander on all matters pertaining to the missions of the Massachusetts National Guard.
The Veterans Day tribute at Norwich will include nine minutes of cannon fire in the Roll of Wars and a firing of three rifle volleys.
An open reception will follow the outdoor ceremony in the foyer of Jackman Hall.
Members of the Norwich and Northfield communities, area veterans, the general public, and those currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States are cordially invited to attend. The uniform for this special event is the Service Class A uniform. Please plan on cold weather and dress accordingly.