Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame

Sergeant Major John D. Trost was born on 3 November 1928 in Concordia, Kansas. His military career began when he enlisted in the United States Air Force on 14 February 1948 where he served as a Photographer until 7 November 1949. After a short break in service, he joined the United States Navy during the Korean Crisis on 31 October 1950, serving as a Hydraulics and Structural Mechanic on the U.S.S Randolph in the Mediterranean Sea Being discharged on 10 August 1954. SGM Trost joined the Kansas Army National Guard on 14 June 1963, serving initially as a Fire Direction Computer in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery. He had several other assignments in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery including; First Cook, Mess Steward, Chief Fire Direction Computer, Operations Sergeant, Personnel Staff NCO, Supply Sergeant, First Sergeant, Battalion Personnel Services NCO, Battalion Operations NCO and finally as the Sergeant Major of the Battalion.

Sergeant Major Trost began his fulltime Career with the National Guard, serving in the 2nd Battalion 130th Field Artillery in 1966 as an assistant Administrative Supply Technician, Administrative Supply Technician, Operations, Training and Readiness Specialist and Battalion General Supply Technician where he served until his retirement on 3 November 1988. This represents a 40- Year plus military commitment from his initial entry with over 30 years active service and over 24 years in the Kansas Army National Guard. During his tenure with the 2nd Battalion 130thth Field Artillery, SGM Trost was mobilized during the Vietnam conflict and Pueblo Incident from 13 may 1968 to 12 December 1969.





			SGM JOHN D. TROST
	Sergeant Major John D. Trost was born on 3 November 1928 in Concordia, Kansas. His military career began when he enlisted in the United States Air Force on 14 February 1948 where he served as a Photographer until 7 November 1949. After a short break in service, he joined the United States Navy during the Korean Crisis on 31 October 1950, serving as a Hydraulics and Structural Mechanic on the U.S.S Randolph in the Mediterranean Sea Being discharged on 10 August 1954. SGM Trost joined the Kansas Army National Guard on 14 June 1963, serving initially as a Fire Direction Computer in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery. He had several other assignments in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery including; First Cook, Mess Steward, Chief Fire Direction Computer, Operations Sergeant, Personnel Staff NCO, Supply Sergeant, First Sergeant, Battalion Personnel Services NCO, Battalion Operations NCO and finally as the Sergeant Major of the Battalion. Sergeant Major Trost began his fulltime Career with the National Guard, serving in the 2nd Battalion 130th Field Artillery in 1966 as an assistant Administrative Supply Technician, Administrative Supply Technician, Operations, Training and Readiness Specialist and Battalion General Supply Technician where he served until his retirement on 3 November 1988. This represents a 40- Year plus military commitment from his initial entry with over 30 years active service and over 24 years in the Kansas Army National Guard. During his tenure with the 2nd Battalion 130thth Field Artillery, SGM Trost was mobilized during the Vietnam conflict and Pueblo Incident from 13 may 1968 to 12 December 1969. In addition to his military career, SGM Trost was deeply involved in Community Affairs. He helped form the Jaycee Chapter in Hiawatha, Kansas, becoming President, was the Jaycee Area Director, help numerous Leadership positions in the VFW and American Legion. He was an active volunteer in the American Legion Baseball Program, was an instructor for the Kansas Hunter Safety Program, coordinator of Hiawatha Kids wrestling, officiated baseball, football and basketball and was a volunteer for the Hiawatha Elks Charitable Endeavors. SGM Trost was a strong supporter of the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, making significant personal Contributions and serving a fund-raiser for the Artillery Battalion. He served on the museum Board from its inception in 1986. He was also a volunteer museum host every month. SGM Trost is also a charter member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas. He served on the board for many Years and was elected President of the Association. He first attended the National Conference in 1976 and had only missed one conference upon his selection for the Hall of Fame. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with third Oak Leaf Cluster, the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Overseas Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and the Kansas National Guard Service Medal with 10 and 20 year devices. SGM Trost was inducted into the Kansas National Gaurd Hall of Fame, 7 November 1999.