Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame - COL William E. Searcy

COL William E. Searcy was born on 2 October 1935 in Cresco, Iowa. His military career began in October 1953 when he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard, serving in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 195th Field Artillery Group in Iola, Kansas. After three years enlisted service, he attended OCS Class #1 in Topeka and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 19 July 1957. His first assignment was Automotive Officer, 496th Ordnance Group in Topeka. He later served as Personnel Officer (S-1) for the Group then was assigned as a Platoon Leader with the 714th Maintenance Company, serving until September 1963.

He returned to the 496th Ordnance Group as the Adjutant, then transferred to Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment of the Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka. His various assignments there include; Assistant G-3, Headquarters Commandant, Detachment Commander, Supply Staff Officer and Ordnance Maintenance Officer. In January 1973 he assumed command of the 110th Ordnance Battalion in Norton, Kansas. In November 1974, he returned as Personnel Officer with HHD, KSARNG. He was later assigned as Assistant G-1 (Personnel) then as the State Maintenance Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics. In December 1981, COL Searcy was appointed as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for Kansas. He held this position until his retirement in December 1990.





			COL WILLIAM E. SEARCY
	COL William E. Searcy was born on 2 October 1935 in Cresco, Iowa. His military career began in October 1953 when he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard, serving in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 195th Field Artillery Group in Iola, Kansas. After three years enlisted service, he attended OCS Class #1 in Topeka and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 19 July 1957. His first assignment was Automotive Officer, 496th Ordnance Group in Topeka. He later served as Personnel Officer (S-1) for the Group then was assigned as a Platoon Leader with the 714th Maintenance Company, serving until September 1963. He returned to the 496th Ordnance Group as the Adjutant, then transferred to Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment of the Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka. His various assignments there include; Assistant G-3, Headquarters Commandant, Detachment Commander, Supply Staff Officer and Ordnance Maintenance Officer. In January 1973 he assumed command of the 110th Ordnance Battalion in Norton, Kansas. In November 1974, he returned as Personnel Officer with HHD, KSARNG. He was later assigned as Assistant G-1 (Personnel) then as the State Maintenance Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics. In December 1981, COL Searcy was appointed as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for Kansas. He held this position until his retirement in December 1990. While serving as the USPFO, COL Searcy became most knowledgeable in the area of purchasing and contracting. With this, he started improving the facilities by either modification or new construction. Both Air Guard Bases during his time were undergoing changes in mission and equipment, which required many facility upgrades. Colonel Searcy worked closely with the National Guard Bureau and Legislators in Washington, and was able to bring millions of dollars to Kansas and improve the overall effectiveness of both Army and Air Guard units. The Kansas Army National Guard Mobilization and Training Equipment Site at Fort Riley is due in large part to Colonel Searcy’s knowledge and work in procurement of facilities for Kansas. This facility employs over one hundred Kansas Guardsmen on a full-time basis. During his career in the Kansas Army National Guard, Colonel Searcy was active in many supporting entities. He is a member and Past President of the Association of the United states Army, a Life Member of the National Guard Association of The United States and Kansas, member of the American Legion and the Topeka West Rotary Club. He served on the National Guard Bureau Maintenance advisory Committee and was Chairman in 1979. He served on the USPFO Advisory Council from 1988 until retirement. He is a member of the USA Ordnance Center and School and served on the Reserve Components Advisory Group in 1980 and 1981. COL Searcy is well respected nationwide for his professionalism, attention to duty and drive to get things accomplished. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal wit two Oak Leaf Clusters, armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Service Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Service Ribbon, Kansas Emergency Duty Ribbon and the National Guard Association of Kansas Distinguished Service Medal. COL Searcy was inducted into the Kansas Officer Candidate Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame, 1 November 1998.