Georgia Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Edger Maynard, former commander of Marietta’s Detachment 9 Operations Support Airlift Command, received the Legion of Merit in August for outstanding military service.

Maynard retired from service with the Guard in mid-April after 37 years of service. Detachment 9’s new commander is Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tom McNamara.

According to the citation he received, Maynard distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct from 12 January 1967 to 28 February 2003, while serving in positions of increasing responsibility, which culminated with his job as Det 9’s commander.

"His undeviating example as a soldier, officer and aviator has inspired those who have worked with him to greater performance and superior service," the citation read. "His leadership has been demonstrated in many campaigns and forums, from flying combat missions during the Viet Nam war’s Tet Offensive in 1967, to acting as an active duty liaison officer, platoon leader and operations officer for the 1105th Aviation Company, U.S. Army Reserve, during the restructuring period following the war."

The then Captain Maynard, the citation went on to note, assisted and represented Georgia and Army during major accident investigations, during which he was a key member in determining probable causes. His efforts, the citation states, were paramount in assisting the Army in an effort to alleviate future aircraft and personnel losses.

"His efforts were influential in his detachment receiving the Army Award of Excellence in Safety, of which he was the chief standardization instructor pilot for 16 years and the commander for the past three" the citation stated. "Chief Maynard’s distinctive accomplishments culminated a distinguished career with countless successful missions and over 7,557 hours flown."

Maynard and his wife live in Marietta. He remains employed with the Federal Aviation Administration as its lead training center manger for the Gulfstream G5 program in Savannah.