By Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky's adjutant general passes the non-commissioned officer's sword to Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden during an assumption of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 7, 2015. Munden became the state's ninth command sergeant major, taking over for Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley who retired in June. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden became Kentucky's ninth state command sergeant major during an assumption of responsibility ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 7. He takes over from Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley who retired in June.
Kentucky's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the event and presented Munden with the NCO sword signifying Munden's responsibility as the senior non-commissioned officer for the Kentucky Army National Guard.
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Command Sgt. Maj. David Munden returns the non-commissioned officer's sword to Staff Sgt. Adam Rients to complete an assumption of responsibility ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., Aug. 7, 2015. Munden assumes the role following an assignment as the command sergeant major of the Warrior Transition Battalion in Fort, Knox, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
"This is the culminating event of my career," said Munden. "I can't imagine any other job that I'd want after this one."
In his position as the senior noncommissioned officer, the state command sergeant major advises the Adjutant General of Kentucky on the nearly 6500 enlisted Soldiers in the Kentucky Army National Guard, emphasizing training and quality of life issues. He is also charged with the fair and equitable management of promotions and personnel actions.
"I am a Soldier, and I'm a sergeant. And sergeants execute missions. I may have a fancy title, but I will still execute this mission with the confidence and trust I have been shown."
Munden has served 33 years in uniform, 23 of those while married to his wife, Ginger. It was a very emotional event for the Munden family with several family members in attendance for the ceremony.
"I'm so proud of him today and I know he will do such a good job for the Soldiers," she said. "We've worked hard to get him here and it means a lot to him and I hope he has the opportunity to accomplish the mission."
Munden originally enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1979 and served six years active duty before joining the Kentucky Guard in 1988. He served the majority of his career with the 223rd Military Police Company and the 198th MP Battalion. In 2012, Munden deployed to Afghanistan as a senior mentor with Kentucky's final Agribusiness Development Team. Upon his return, Munden was appointed the command sergeant major of the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky, a job he called eye-opening and very rewarding.
"I'm from the military police, I'm of the troops and for the troops. That's the last time you'll hear me speak specifically of MPs, I am for all the Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard. That's how I'm going to be."