National Guard general who avoided combat in every war since Vietnam retires

MIST COUNTY, Minn.—After a long career, it is finally time for National Guard Brigadier General James "Lucky" Lawrence to put away his lightly used combat boots. On Friday, he will retire from the Minnesota Guard after a long career in which he avoided service in in four American wars. He couldn't be prouder.

The general, who first enlisted in 1971, is o…