FORT RUCKER, Ala. (July 24, 2014) -- The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general was promoted to major general during a ceremony July 22 in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Maj. Gen. Michael D. Lundy received his new rank from his wife, Paula, and daughters, Kacie and Sydnie, who pinned the two-star epaulets on his shoulders.
"I never would have thought I would be standing here today," said Lundy during the ceremony. "The reason that I am is because I have three wonderful girls … certainly my mom, my dad, who is not with us today but I'm certain he'd be very proud, and just as important are the Soldiers that I've served with over the years."
Lundy attributes much of his success to the Soldiers and mentors he's encountered throughout his years of service.
"I would not be here today if it weren't for the great mentors that I've had … and I'm very thankful how they've helped me become a better officer, a better leader and a better person," he said. "From my first platoon sergeant who took a wayward lieutenant and straightened him out … to many great mentors that I've had over the years, to them I owe everything, and I'm very honored to have this privilege today."
The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Robert B. Brown, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., commanding general, who has worked closely with Lundy over the years.
"I've known Mike a while, and it's just been an honor to serve with him, so the opportunity to be here and promote him to a second star really makes me proud," said Brown during the ceremony, adding that Lundy's wealth of experience makes his promotion well deserved.
Lundy has seven major deployments under his belt, including Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, operations in northern Iraq to help protect forces there, Haiti, Bosnia and two deployments to Afghanistan.
"I knew he was an exceptional officer," said Brown, "but what's absolutely amazing is to see the amount of deployments and variety in his assignments is truly unbelievable.
"He's (also) an amazing trainer," he continued. "He really understands how to train Soldiers so that the scrimmage that they go through is much tougher than the actual fight."
Lundy has served in many leadership positions in multiple countries throughout his career, ranging from a company executive officer and platoon leader in Germany to commander of 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, to deputy commanding general Combined Arms Center - Training.
"It's not just about what he did, but his potential," said the lieutenant general. "Mike has incredible potential and that's recognized. Thanks for the great work, and it's been tremendous to serve alongside you and see your tremendous leadership across the board. This is very well deserved and I'm very proud to be a part of it."
Although Lundy has a lot in his career to be proud of, he said his greatest achievement to date is his Family.
"What I'm most proud of is on that front row today -- all three of my girls," he said. "I promise to all of you that I'll do my very best to honor this service, honor this office and honor the Soldiers that continue to serve."
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