John Conaway's career of service to his nation started with ROTC training, led to the West Virginia Guard, and then transferred to the Kentucky Air National Guard. Called to active duty in 1968, he served in Alaska, Panama, Japan, and Korea. In June 1969, he returned to the Guard as an operations officer. He was appointed vice commander of the 123rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, with units in Kentucky, Arkansas, Nevada, and Idaho. He was recalled to active duty as deputy director of the Air National Guard in April 1977 and, in April 1981, became director. In February 1990, Conaway was appointed Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C. He was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the National Guard Bureau, including supervision of the Army and Air directorates and the joint staff. He retired in 1993. John Conaway is a decorated command pilot with more than 6,500 flying hours