Concordia alumnus named Wyoming National Guard adjutant general

Concordia alumnus Major General Luke Reiner, was named adjutant general for the state of Wyoming National Guard at a ceremony in Cheyenne on April 1. The adjutant general is the highest military position in the state, with responsibility for the Wyoming Air and Army National Guard, the Wyoming STARBASE Academy, the Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program, the Wyoming Wing of the Civil Air Patrol and the Wyoming Veterans Commission.

“My duties as the adjutant general are to direct the Wyoming Military Department,” Reiner explained. He will develop and coordinate all the policies, plans and programs affecting the Air and Army National Guard and the joint staff.  “I am responsible to ensure that all the individuals within the Wyoming Military Department are nurtured and cared for and communities throughout the state are better because the Guard is present, and to support the activities of and advocate for the Wyoming Veterans Commission.”

Reiner began his military career in 1982 when he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard. He graduated from Concordia with degrees in business and accounting and in secondary education. After receiving his commission as a second lieutenant from the University of Nebraska’s ROTC program in 1986, he transferred to the Wyoming Army National Guard where he served in various field artillery positions. Most recently, Reiner was the joint chief of staff for the Wyoming Military Department.

Named to the post by Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, Reiner is taking over for retiring Major General Ed Wright.

“I was selected for this position by the governor through a competitive interview process,” stated Reiner. “There were some initial screening criteria used in terms of qualifications and then interviews.”

The position of adjutant general was not something to which Reiner aspired when he started his military career. “My personal philosophy has always been to do absolutely the best job I can in my current position and that the future would take care of itself. That being said, I never imagined I would be granted the opportunity to serve in this type of position.”

Along with his philosophy of hard work, Reiner said his time as a student at Concordia also has helped him in his career. “Concordia helped develop and mature my foundational beliefs. My time there solidified my approach to life and my Christian value set; an approach and value set which has been a great fit with the U.S. military and which I firmly believe could be used in any calling.”

For Reiner, the position of adjutant general is an exciting new challenge as he looks back on his career.

“I am honored, humbled and excited,” said Reiner. “This is truly the highlight of my career, and I look forward to continuing to serve the state and nation as a U.S. soldier.”