TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas National Guard welcomed three new members into their hall of fame on Nov. 3.

“The criteria is based on contributions that they do while in uniform and in service to their county also contributions that they do in their community,” Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame Board Chair Jacob King said.

Colonel Clifford Silsby, Colonel Edward Sykes, and First Sergeant Darrel Haeffele will join the over 130 Kansans in the National Guard Hall of Fame in Topeka.

The ceremony highlighted each honoree’s military career achievement and gave them the podium to thank all who made it possible.

“It‘s less about me, it‘s about everybody I’ve worked with that’s supported me through the years and they really deserve the credit because without them I wouldn’t ever be able to do anything that I’ve done,” Silsby said. “Well, maybe just a little.”

“I think everybody deserves recognition that serves, I just happen to be lucky enough to get in some situation,” Sykes said. “Sometimes I was unlucky getting shout-out was a little unlucky, but I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time and have the right people help me get to where I was.”

They aim to share their legacy by passing it on to the next generation.

“I had a great-grandson that was sitting beside me up front, today he joined the international guard,” Haeffele said.

“The military is the greatest place to start there is,” Sykes said. “You have the opportunity to serve your county and sometimes that can get a little rough but believe me it is part of being an American.”

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