Alumna gets historical military appointment

Gonzaga University alumna Mary J. Kight was promoted to Adjutant General of the California National Guard by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Feb. 2. She is the first woman in California and the first African-American woman in the U.S. to hold such a position.

Kight received a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management in 1977.
"I am very proud of the degree I received from Gonzaga University," Kight said in a telephone interview on Monday. "I use it every day."

"Brigadier General Mary Kight is a proven, courageous, loyal and honorable leader," Schwarzenegger said at the appointment ceremony last Tuesday. "She has a long and distinguished history of service to our state and nation and I am proud to have her as the first female adjutant general of our military forces here in California."

Despite the hype about her historic appointment, Kight does not think her gender or race is overemphasized.

"I am extremely proud to be acknowledged as African-American," she said. "I am also proud and humbled to be appointed based on experience. That is what is really impressive."

With last week's appointment, Kight became the commanding general for 18,000 Army National Guard and 4,900 Air National Guard members, according to the California National Guard Web site. This is the "largest and most tasked National Guard force in the United States."

Kight offered some qualified guidance for students.

"I would advise to go out into the world and see what the world has to offer. Pick a few areas in which you can contribute and try those. Don't be afraid."
She made no attempt to sugarcoat reality, however.

"It doesn't get any easier throughout your career. You have to embrace that," Kight said. "But if I can do it, I know everyone else can do it."

The only complaint Kight seems to have with such hefty responsibilities is the time commitment.

"My family does not get enough time with me," she said. "The youngest is 2 and a half. Her name is Aliyah and she is a dancer and very creative. She likes to have imaginary tea together, which takes time."

When she isn't working, Kight enjoys spending time with her family, "mostly outdoors." Near their home in Sacramento the Kights like going to parks, camps, theatre and plays.
 "I am confident that with General Kight's leadership, the California National Guard will continue to be fully prepared, standing ready and able to assist our local communities and our country when called upon in times of emergency," Schwarzenegger said.

Kight has her share of applicable experience with the U.S. military, both within the ranks and leading them. According to Kight's career biography on the California National Guard Web site she began active duty Air Force in 1974 at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane. After ending her initial active duty in 1981 at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., she rejoined the military with the Nebraska Air National Guard. In 1984 she transferred to her home state and the California National Guard. Since then she has served as a Squadron Avionics Maintenance Officer, Tactical Air Command Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Squadron Field Maintenance Officer, Group Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Air Combat Commander, Commander for the 144th Fighter Wing Aircraft Generation Squadron and Commander for the Detachment, 201st Mission Support Squadron for all members performing duty on Title 10 status in Fresno, Calif. 

In 2004, Kight was promoted to Assistant Adjutant General, Air then in 2006 to Assistant Adjutant General of the California National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Sacramento, according to its Web site.

"I am proud to serve in the military in the 21st century," Kight said. "We have challenges but are ready to serve the people of this nation."