The South Dakota National Guard mourns the passing of retired Maj. Gen. Philip G. Killey, who died today, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 85.
Maj. Gen. Killey served South Dakota and the nation with distinction for nearly four decades. He served as adjutant general of South Dakota from 1987 to 1988 and again from 1998 to 2003, and as director of the Air National Guard from 1988 to 1994. He later became the first Guardsman to command 1st Air Force, Air Combat Command and the Continental United States NORAD Region at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
An Air Force F-4 fighter pilot, Maj. Gen. Killey flew 129 combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and accumulated more than 6,500 flight hours during his career.
“Our thoughts are with Ellen and the Killey family during this time of grief and loss,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell. “Gen. Killey was a fighter pilot, warrior, leader, mentor and visionary Guardsman. He set the standard for excellence that the South Dakota National Guard continues to meet today. We are grateful for his service to state and nation.”
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who had the honor of serving alongside him. His leadership, service and legacy will be remembered by generations of Guardsmen.
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