Defense secretary Robert M. Gates has recommended an SMU alumnus to become the first four-star general in the history of the Air National Guard.

Lt. General Craig R. McKinley, pending nomination by President Bush and confirmation by the Senate, would be promoted to Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

McKinley received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from SMU in 1974. He also was named the Distinguished Graduate of the SMU Air Force Recruit Officer Training Program (ROTC), where he received his Air Force commission.

Serving in the military for over 30 years, McKinley has earned major awards such as the Distinguished Service medal, Legion of Merit, the Humanitarian Service medal, as well as the Distinguished Alumni award from SMU in 2003.

The creation of the position of four-star general in the National Guard unit is a historic event for the Guard and the U.S. armed forces.

“The elevation of the National Guard chief to four stars recognizes the enhanced importance of the Guard to America’s overall national defense,” Gates said. “In recent years, the National Guard has transformed from an often neglected strategic reserve to a force that is an indispensable component of the operational military.”

McKinley attributed many of his leadership skills and style leading to a rapid rise through the Air Force ranks to the ROTC at SMU when receiving his Distinguished Alumni award.

Officials in the military and defense department feel that McKinley is the right man for the job.

“General McKinley is well qualified for this important and historic assignment,” Gates said during a news conference in the Pentagon today. “He has held command positions at every level of the Air Force in his 34 years of military service.”

“McKinley will provide the leadership that will take the National Guard to the next level,” Gates said. “He is a competent, caring, and proven leader.”