Kansas Army National Guard

• Origins Date Back to 1855: The Kansas Army National Guard traces its roots to the Kansas Territorial Militia, established in 1855, even before Kansas became a state in 1861. • Bleeding Kansas: Early Kansas militiamen played a role in the violent pre-Civil War conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas," defending settlements and engaging in skirmishes over slavery. • Civil War Service: Units from the Kansas National Guard fought for the Union in the Civil War, most notably the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, the first African American regiment to see combat. • Spanish-American War: Kansas Guardsmen volunteered for service in the 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry, which served with distinction in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. • World War I Contribution: The 137th and 139th Infantry Regiments, made up of Kansas Guardsmen, fought in France as part of the 35th Division, seeing heavy action in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. • World War II Legacy: The 137th Infantry Regiment again served with distinction in World War II, fighting in Normandy, the Rhineland, and the Battle of the Bulge. • Tornado and Flood Response: The Kansas National Guard has played a vital role in disaster response, including major tornadoes (like Greensburg, 2007) and the 1951 and 1993 floods, providing rescue, relief, and security. • Modern Deployments: Since 9/11, Kansas Army National Guard units have participated in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa, serving both in combat and support roles. • Cavalry Heritage: Kansas is home to the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment (formerly a cavalry unit), reflecting the state’s long tradition of mounted service. • Women in the Guard: Kansas National Guard history includes milestones in gender integration, including the 2014 appointment of Brigadier General Deborah Rose as the first female general officer in the Kansas National Guard.