by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 29, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
In a bipartisan show of gratitude, the Arizona House of Representatives honored Major General Kerry L. Muehlenbeck last week for her decades of service to the state and nation. The ceremony, held on the House floor, also marked a new effort to support Arizona National Guard members currently deployed overseas.
Republican Representative Walt Blackman (R-LD7), a U.S. Army combat veteran and Chairman of the House Government Committee, led the recognition. Lawmakers from both parties signed a tribute to Muehlenbeck, who recently retired after more than 30 years of service, including her tenure as Commanding General of the Arizona National Guard and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
“Major General Muehlenbeck embodies everything we strive for in public service—courage, integrity, and a relentless commitment to those she leads,” Blackman said during remarks. “We thank her for her service and the legacy she’s leaving behind—a Guard that’s more prepared and more capable than ever.”
Muehlenbeck made history as the first woman to command the Arizona National Guard. House members praised her leadership through key operations such as border security missions, wildfire suppression efforts, and pandemic response initiatives. They also highlighted her parallel career in legal services and education.
The tribute ceremony was accompanied by a large donation drive to benefit deployed service members. Representative Teresa Martinez (R-LD16) organized the collection of snacks, hygiene items, and personal care products, with contributions coming from House members, staff, and their families.
“We’re grateful to Representative Martinez for organizing this drive to support our men and women in uniform,” said Blackman. “The Guard follows leaders like General Muehlenbeck into some of the toughest assignments. This is one small way for us to send a piece of home to those currently serving abroad.”
Photos posted by the Arizona House GOP on X showed the House members presenting Muehlenbeck with the signed tribute while standing before a large display of care packages. The event drew praise online for its bipartisan spirit and for spotlighting the service and sacrifice of both senior military leaders and rank-and-file troops.
The tribute was signed by Representatives Walt Blackman, Teresa Martinez, Nick Kupper, Dave Marshall, John Gillette, Stacey Travers, Aaron Márquez, and Mae Peshlakai. A copy of the tribute, photos of the ceremony, and images of the donated supplies were made publicly available following the event.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 20, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, the Arizona Adjutant General, will step down from commanding the Arizona National Guard and Department of Emergency and Military Affairs in June, according to Governor Katie Hobbs’ office. General Muehlenbeck was appointed to office in 2021 by then-Governor Doug Ducey.
“It has been an honor to serve as Arizona’s Adjutant General,” Major General Muehlenbeck said in a statement. “To be able to work alongside dedicated men and women, both in and out of uniform, in service to Arizona and the nation is a privilege beyond measure. I appreciate the trust of Governor Hobbs, Governor Ducey, and both their teams. I will always value their commitment to protecting the citizens of Arizona.”
Speaking with the Arizona Capitol Times, she explained that the time has come for her to return to her previous vocation: teaching criminal justice studies at Mesa Community College. According to the outlet, federal law requires civilian employers to hold a member of the military’s job for up to five years while they serve. Major General Muehlenbeck’s five years are up this year.
Muehlenbeck described her working relationship with both Republican and Democrat governors, telling the Arizona Capitol Times, “In the military, you don’t take any of the decisions personally. You’re there to provide your best military advice.” Muehlenbeck continued, “And if I don’t agree inside the room where we’re having discussions, as soon as we walk out of the door, then that decision is the best one we could have made.”
Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement on Monday saying, “I am grateful to Major General Muehlenbeck for her service to the people of Arizona. She is a valued member of my cabinet who is dedicated to fostering public safety across the state. Under her leadership, the Arizona National Guard launched Task Force SAFE, a critical ongoing effort that is preventing dangerous drugs from entering our state. In addition, the Division of Emergency Management and Arizona National Guard embarked on one of its largest rescue missions to date, evacuating more than 100 people when devastating floods swept through Havasupai. I wish Major General Muehlenbeck the best in her future endeavors.”
Hobbs musts now nominate a replacement for General Muehlenbeck, but any nomination will face heavy scrutiny from the Republican-led Arizona Senate Committee on Director Nominations led by Arizona Senator Jake Hoffman. Chairman Hoffman was clear that the decision on any nominee would come down to capability.
“We’re in an age where we want our military men and women, whether that’s the Guard or whether that’s the Marines or the Army, we want them to be the most efficient, effective fighting force possible,” Hoffman said. “Woke ideology of the politicization of our men and women will be an automatic death knell for any Hobbs nominee for this important post.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
