Whereas Major General Richard C. Nash served as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard with distinction during the last 7 years; Whereas Major General Nash is a native of Minnesota who has dedicated his life to serving the United States and the State of Minnesota; Whereas Major General Nash served honorably in the Armed Forces for 45 years, 29 of which were served in the Minnesota National Guard; Whereas Major General Nash has commanded at all levels, from company to multinational task force, demonstrating steadfast and wise leadership; Whereas the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard are among the very best in the United States, with more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen; Whereas the Minnesota National Guard has 58 Army facilities and 2 air bases in more than 50 communities; Whereas Major General Nash has led international initiatives in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Baltic region, helping to protect the interests of the United States and spread the values of the United States around the world; Whereas Major General Nash has kept Minnesotans safe during times of floods and other natural disasters; Whereas Major General Nash has been a strong advocate for the men and women of the Minnesota National Guard and the families of those men and women; Whereas Major General Nash has been committed to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program of Minnesota, which helps returning servicemembers and the families of those servicemembers; Whereas Major General Nash has been a tireless advocate for Family Assistance Centers, which advocate for veterans of the Armed Forces and the loved ones of those veterans; Whereas Major General Nash is a highly decorated military officer and the recipient of many awards, including— (1) the Distinguished Service Medal of the Army; (2) the Defense Superior Service Medal; (3) the Legion of Merit; (4) the Bronze Star Medal; (5) the Meritorious Service Medal; (6) the Army Commendation Medal; (7) the Army Achievement Medal