Lt. Gen. Emmett "Mickey" H. Walker, Jr, a former National Guard Bureau chief and NGAUS treasurer, died Dec. 11 after a lengthy illness. He was 83.

The Abbott, Miss., native led NGB from Aug. 16, 1982, to Aug. 15, 1986, at the pinnacle of a 42-year military career. He was the second three-star chief He previously served as Army Guard director.

After more then four decades in uniform, he continued to serve the Guard as NGAUS treasurer from 1992 to 2000.

"The National Guard wasn't just General Walker's profession; it was his passion," said Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, NGAUS chairman. "Even in his final years, he stayed engaged in the Guard through our association. He was a great leader, a true Guard champion and a fine gendeman who will be missed but never forgotten."

Walker also was a decorated combat veteran, earning both a Bronze Star and a Silver Star as a platoon leader with the 95th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II.

Discharged from active duty in 1946, he joined the Mississippi Guard and was mobilized for service in the Korean War in 1951, serving in the Far East Command liaison group in Japan.

He rose through the Mississippi Guard to become assistant adjutant general before coming to Washington, D.C.

For those wishing to honor the general with a financial contribution, the general's family recommended the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. The mailing address is: Building 850, Camp Shelby, Miss. 39407.

Walker was also among the first to subscribe to a special program directing contributions to the National Guard Educational Foundation or NGAUS upon a member's passing.

Contributions to the NGEF or NGAUS should be mailed to: One Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20001.

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