Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Steve Danner says Ike Skelton worked tirelessly to secure funding for Missouri’s military, and dedicated his life to the armed services.
Adjutant General Stephen Danner (holding scissors) joins Congressman Ike Skelton (left) for a ribbon cutting at Whiteman Air Force Base.
Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates called Skelton “one of the great champions of our military,” and praised him as “one of the architects of our national security apparatus” because of his work in drafting the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986. Gates says the measure ushered in a sweeping reorganization of the Department of Defense.
Among the higher ups in the military, Skelton was known simply as “The Chairman.” Skelton led the House Armed Services Committee for years and was known for being fair, but tough.
Danner says the military — both in Missouri and throughout the U.S. — owe much to Skelton’s work in Congress. He talks about working with Skelton over the years. His mother, Congresswoman Pat Danner, worked alongside Skelton as well.
AUDIO:Â Jessica Machetta interviews Gen. Danner (8:13)
