WHEREAS,  Major General John W. Libby, of Sidney, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, is retiring after many years of dedicated service to the military and to the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS,  Major General Libby assumed his duties as the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard on January 15, 2004 and was employed as Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management; and

WHEREAS,  as Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, Major General Libby coordinated and administered Maine's responsibilities relating to military matters, veterans and civil emergency preparedness and was also responsible for the overall readiness of the Maine National Guard, and in that capacity has served with great distinction; and

WHEREAS,  Major General Libby began his military career upon commission from the Army ROTC program at the University of Maine in 1966 and held active duty command and staff positions in both Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany before joining the Maine Army National Guard in 1975; and

WHEREAS,  Major General Libby was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and many other significant awards and decorations throughout his long career; and

WHEREAS,  Major General Libby is a recipient of the Heart of Gold Award from Community Counseling Center for his commitment and dedication to the well-being of those serving in the Maine National Guard and their families; now, therefore, be it