U.S. ARMY KWAJALEIN ATOLL, Republic of the Marshall Islands (Aug. 17, 2013) -- Maj. Joseph E. Bethel was promoted to lieutenant colonel on Aug. 9, at the Reagan Test Site conference room. Bethel is stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Bethel was joined by his wife Karen, daughter Abigail, friends and coworkers in Colorado Springs via video teleconference. Attending on the RTS side were Lt. Col. Dean Wiley, Thomas Webber, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Slancauskas, Master Sgt. Marcus Weiland and Mary Jane Lavender.
In Colorado Springs, TREX Sgt. Maj. Luther Harris Jr. recognized Bethel for his past accomplishments and alluded to his success in the future.
"I want to make sure we recognize a great American for what he's done for the Army," Harris said. "As soon as Joe got to the command, we knew that he had the potential to succeed."
In light of his patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities, Harris said, Bethel has demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Wiley pinned the new oak leaf to Bethel's uniform.
Bethel thanked Harris for his kind words, and for his mentorship, which helped get him to where he is today. He then thanked his wife, whom he met two months into his Army commission, for being such a great Army spouse. He told his daughter he knows being a military child is not always easy, but he appreciates her being there for her mom and being such a great supporter. Flowers were presented to Karen and Abigail on Bethel's behalf.
Bethel also thanked his friends and coworkers for attending. A small reception was held at RTS and in Colorado Springs in honor of his promotion.
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