“Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of our friend Major General Richard C. Alexander.

“I first got to know General Alexander in 1991 when I served as Lieutenant Governor and General Alexander was the Ohio Adjutant General. His calm demeanor, thoroughness, and military preparedness served the citizens of Ohio well.

“In 1993, the Ohio National Guard was called upon to respond to an inmate riot at the Lucasville Prison. General Alexander was part of our leadership team managing the crisis and offered wise counsel that no doubt helped save lives.

“In addition, I saw first-hand the tremendous service and professionalism of the National Guard under General Alexander when I toured areas of the state that were damaged by rain, flooding, and other natural disasters. 

“General Alexander's military career began in 1954 when he joined the Marine Corps and served honorably until 1958, when he was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. A native of Cleveland, General Alexander returned to Ohio and enlisted in the Ohio National Guard. 

“Continuing his career and educational journey, General Alexander completed the National Guard State Officer School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Following the completion of many advanced military education courses including graduating from the U.S. Army War College, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff Course, General Alexander rose through the ranks within the Ohio National Guard and was selected to serve as Ohio’s first African American Adjutant General in December 1987.

“During his tenure as Ohio Adjutant General, he met many challenges that tested the full scope of his abilities to manage a citizen soldier force in an environment of uncertainty and shifting global priorities. General Alexander’s leadership skills were recognized nationally by the National Guard Association of the United States, which appointed General Alexander to the position of president of the association in 1996.

“In addition to serving his country, General Alexander was a devoted husband to his late wife, LaVera, and a proud father to his three children and beloved grandchildren.

“Fran and I extend our condolences to his family and many friends." In honor of the life and service of former Ohio Adjutant General Richard C. Alexander, Governor DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all Ohio National Guard installations today until sunset on the day of his funeral.The flags should also be flown at half-staff at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral. 

All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.