Gov. Sam Brownback today announced that Lieutenant General Perry Wiggins will lead the Governor’s Military Council as its new executive director, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
General Wiggins will officially assume duties as the executive director this fall, upon retirement from the United States Army following 33 years of service. Wiggins currently serves as Commanding General of U.S. Army North and Senior Commander Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
He replaces John Armbrust who has served as the executive director of the council since February 2004.
“Lieutenant General Wiggins is a true American hero who has dedicated his life to serving our nation,” said Brownback. “I can think of no one more qualified to lead the Governor’s Military Council or more dedicated to the men and women of our military than General Wiggins.”
General Wiggins has served with the U.S. Army in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Prior to becoming the Commanding General of 5th United States Army, he was the Commanding General, 1st Army Division West, Fort Hood, Texas and Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, “Big Red One,” in Fort Riley.
“I’m honored to have been selected for this very important position. After nearly 34 years of having the privilege of wearing the cloth of the nation, working with the Governor’s Military Council will afford me the opportunity to serve the men and women of our military, their families, and our veterans,” said Lt. General Wiggins. “While at Fort Riley, my wife and I fell in love with the great state of Kansas and its people. We look forward to our return and beginning the next chapter in our lives.”
Lieutenant General Wiggins is an experienced military leader, participating in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the first Gulf War; Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia; Operation Desert Fox, Desert Thunder and Southern Watch; and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He holds a Master of Arts degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College and is a graduate of the Command General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth.
The mission of the Governor’s Military Council is to grow and protect major military activities located in Kansas; to leverage this significant military activity in the state into creating additional defense related jobs; and to help local units of government in the state improve the quality of life for men and women in uniform, and their families, and veterans and their families, that live and work in the state.
