By: Holly Hollman
Memorial Day, formerly known as “Decoration Day,” was started to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. Each year, the Alabama Veterans Museum holds a ceremony to remember our fallen brothers and sisters who died in the year since the last Memorial Day. This year is no exception; please join us on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. for a very special program.
I am happy to announce our special guest speaker will be Major General K. Todd Royar. Major General Royar assumed command of the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command on June 10, 2019. As the commander, he leads more than 16,000 soldiers and civilians in providing aviation, missile and test measurement, and diagnostic equipment sustainment support to the Joint Warfighter to enable readiness.
Royar graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1988 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Army Aviation. He was assigned as a platoon leader to the 158th Aviation Regiment, Frankfurt, Germany, flying OH-58 (Kiowa) aircraft. While assigned to the 158th Aviation Regiment, he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
His command assignments include E Troop, 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Korea; D Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment at Ft Hood, Texas; 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, deploying with the squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood, deploying with the squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Campbell, deploying with the brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Royar also served as the Chief of Staff, United States Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; and, most recently, as the Deputy Commanding General – Support for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell. Royar is a graduate of the United States Army Armor School; the United States Army Command and General Staff College; the School of Advanced Military Studies, where he earned a Master of Military Art and Science degree; the AH-64 Aviator Qualification Course; and the United States Navy War College, where he earned a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Master Army Aviator Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
We are also pleased to announce we will also be honored with the music of the 313th Army Band. The 313th Army Band is a U.S. Army Reserve Band stationed at Redstone Arsenal.
By: Sandra Thompson
Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum
December 20, 2024
