Governor Parson Pins Missouri Adjutant General Levon Cumpton to Rank of Major General
OCTOBER 7, 2020
Jefferson City — Today during a ceremony in the Governor's Office, Governor Mike Parson pinned Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Levon E. Cumpton from one to two stars, advancing his rank to Major General.
“Since assuming his duty as the Adjutant General of Missouri, Major General Cumpton has performed above and beyond the call of duty, most recently leading the Missouri National Guard through one of the largest and longest state mobilizations in its history in response to COVID-19,” Governor Parson said. “Major General Cumpton has served his state, nation, and fellow citizens with honor, and I have no doubt that he will continue to do so.”
“I am humbled and honored by Governor Parson’s confidence in me, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead the Soldiers and Airmen of the Missouri National Guard. It is my great privilege to lead our National Guard and serve the people of Missouri,” Major General Cumpton said.
Governor Parson selected Major General Cumpton as the next Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard in August 2019. Since that time, Major General Cumpton and his team have been mobilized to assist Missouri’s COVID-19 response efforts and civil authorities across the state. They have also continued to execute federal mission requirements, including missions within the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
Major General Cumpton has over 27 years of U.S. Army Active Duty and full-time National Guard service. An Army Ranger and combat veteran, he is decorated with the Combat Action Badge, a Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star Medal. He is also a veteran of numerous National Guard activations supporting civil authorities in times of emergency and disaster in Missouri.
He has served five assignments abroad spanning more than four years in Germany, Macedonia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Kosovo. Within the United States and Missouri, he has commanded at every level from company to brigade and served in key full-time staff positions at other times in his career. As a resident graduate of the United States Air Force War College, he earned a master’s degree and the credentials to help him lead the Air Force component of the Missouri National Guard.
Major General Cumpton grew up on a farm in Bates County and currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Linda. Their two children, Emily and Chance, both serve in the United States Army.
Pictures of the pinning ceremony will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.
