Meetings
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[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Good morning. Members, we have one special action item this morning and that is to read HCR one ninety six which is a house concurrent resolution honoring US army major general and Vermont adjutant and inspector general Gregory Knight on his exemplary service on behalf of our state and nation. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.
[House Reading Clerk (unidentified staff)]: Whereas the military and civilian careers of Gregory Knight represent the best attributes of public service and patriotism, and his forty three years in uniform commenced in 1983 with a six year US Coast Guard enlistment. And whereas upon leaving the US Coast Guard, Gregory Knight served for four years as a Burlington police officer and then seven years as the chief lift liquor investigator at the former Department of Liquor Control. And whereas concurrently for seven years, he was an enlisted member of the Vermont Air National Guard working as a security forces specialist drawing on his law enforcement experience and expertise. And whereas in 1997, the trajectory of his military service assumed a new path. He was a commissioned graduate of officer candidate school. For three years, he served as a Vermont Army National Guard officer, and in 2000, he began full time active guard reserve duty. And whereas starting in June 2005, Gregory Knight completed a one year deployment to Ramadi, Iraq as a battle captain for task force SABR. And whereas since 2001, Gregory Knight advanced educationally, earning several academic degrees, including a master's degree from the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. And he assumed increasingly important roles, reaching the rank of US Army Major General, and he received many military honors, including a Bronze Star Medal. And whereas in 2019, recognizing US Army Major General Gregory Knight's superb qualifications, the General Assembly elected him as Vermont Adjutant and Inspector General, the state's highest ranking military officer. And whereas Adjutant Inspector General Gregory Knight's outstanding seven year tenure featured the twenty twenty one welcoming Austria to the state partnership program, and he can reflect on his military service with great pride. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that the General Assembly honors US army major general and Vermont adjutant inspector general Gregory Knight on his exemplary service on behalf of our state and nation. And be it further resolved that the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Vermont adjutant inspector general Gregory Knight into the Vermont National Guard.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any announcements? Member from Virgins.
[Representative Matthew Birong]: Madam speaker, members, and guests, I first met major general Greg Knight in January 2019. I was in my first weeks as a freshman legislator, and he was a colonel in the Vermont National Guard, just beginning his campaign for his current role as the adjutant general. We've shared many meals over the seven years of our shared service, but the one that stands out the most was the first time we sat together at the cafe I previously owned. I quickly realized that the man I was meeting was committed to duty as an officer, service to Vermonters, and to The United States Of America. He presented his goals for the future of the National Guard with conviction, vision, and honor. The conversation was natural, and I came to realize that he was the right person at the right time to serve as the adjutant general. I recall general Knight asking for my vote. I replied by saying, you have my support. He locked eyes with me with his classic grin and said, that wasn't a yes. He then asked another question that was unexpected. He asked if I would help him with his campaign because as he put it, I have no idea how to campaign. I knew then that he would not be shy when recognizing moments when he needs insight or support. This trait of self awareness and humility struck me in a way that is still that is still vividly remembered. I knew then he was of a detail oriented mind and would leave nothing of importance, open, or ambiguous. I said yes to both questions and we continued on with our meal and our banter. My intuition had me confident that I was choosing the correct candidate, that he would be an outstanding leader for the organization, and a reliable collaborator in legislative work. But what I did not expect is that I would spend the next seven years alongside a fearless man, an individual who sees a problem and runs towards it, a person who became an unexpected mentor and a lifelong friend. You have left a lasting impression on not only me, but this institution. General Knight, you're a true leader. On behalf of the legislature, the National Guard and Veterans Caucus, and the committee I serve as chair, I wanna thank you for being a good human, an honorable commander, and a dear friend.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: And now member from Dover.
[Representative Laura Sibilia]: We have just heard a resolution recognizing major general Greg Knight for his service and leadership of the Vermont National Guard. This day is a professional and personal milestone for general Knight, but it is also a poignant one for the Vermont legislature. Many of us in this body consider general Knight a friend, And a few of us have had the privilege of working closely with him over his tenure as adjutant general. He stepped into this role during a period of significant challenge for the guard. A moment that required not just stability, but real change, especially for women serving in uniform. When the senior senator from Addison and I nominated, we spoke about his coming up through the ranks and his deep understanding of the institution from the inside out. But we were also clear about our willingness to hold him accountable for that change. He has exceeded our expectations. A culture of accountability and a depth of institutional capacity and knowledge has been built during his tenure that will long outlast him. That kind of leadership is rare and our state and especially our soldiers and airmen have benefited greatly. Vermont is stronger because of his service, and the people who will continue this work are better supported because of the standards he set through the organization. Thank you, general.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: And now member from Berkshire.
[Representative Lisa Hango]: Today marks seven years that then colonel Greg Knight started his journey with this body. Through his leadership and engagement, our relationship with the Vermont National Guard is strong and cordial. Thank you from all of us who have had the honor to make this journey with you. Madam speaker, would you kindly welcome major general Gregory Knight, his family, and their guests to the State House?
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Berkshire please rise and be recognized? Member from Burlington.
[Unidentified Representative from Burlington]: Madam speaker, major general Knight is one of my favorite people for a lot of reasons. His servant's heart, his work ethic, and his accomplishments are something to behold. But one of my favorite things about him is his amazing sense of humor and joy. So it's only fitting that I make the announcement to all of y'all that there will be a reception, a party, if you will, after the fall of the gavel in the Cedar Creek Room to honor you. Hope to see you all there.
[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Members, at this time, the house will recess until the fall of the gavel at 03:30PM. And members, please be back in the chamber at 10:15 to meet the senate for the joint assembly at 10:30.