U.S. Army Engineer School commandant gets first star

By Mr. Mike Bowers (Leonard Wood)August 13, 2015

U.S. Army Engineer School commandant gets first star
April, left, and her sister, Megan, pin brigadier general insignia on their father, Brig. Gen. James Raymer, U.S. Army Engineer School commandant, during a promotion ceremony Aug. 6 on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza. Raymer's wife, L... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Another Fort Leonard Wood officer will be called general, after the second general-officer-promotion ceremony in the past two weeks took place Aug. 6.

Brig. Gen. James Raymer, U.S. Army Engineer School commandant, pinned on the one-star insignia at a ceremony on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza.

Maj. Gen. Kent Savre, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, who presided over the ceremony, said he has known Raymer since he was a power-lifter at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Savre referred to Raymer as a "great leader who has had an amazing impact on everything he's touched, showing great competence as a Soldier and engineer when charged with very challenging missions."

Savre said Raymer's career is incredible, and the new general has served in every capacity possible and is a proven combat engineer and leader.

Raymer credited others for his success and rise to general officer.

"I thank all of the Soldiers who I have served with over my years in the Army," Raymer said. "It's the Soldiers, NCOs (noncommissioned officers) and other officers who have lifted me up on their shoulders to get me to this point. I wouldn't be standing here, if not for all of your efforts."

According to Savre, there is a no more well-read or technically competent Army engineer than Raymer.

Raymer has attended the Defense Language Institute at Presidio of Monterey, California; studied two years in Argentina in the Olmsted Scholar Program and was a senior service college fellow at the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University-College Station.

Savre said Raymer has an unmatched track record of personal, professional development and countless hours studying critical thinking, doctrine and history.

Raymer joins the less than 1 percent (fewer than 40) of the 4,000 lieutenants commissioned with him in 1989 who will ever become a general officer, according to Savre.

"The Army made a very tough cut," Savre continued, "but they chose very wisely, because Col. Raymer is the absolute right choice to take on this immense responsibility."

Savre thanked Raymer's Family, who were present in force. Raymer presented multiple bouquets of roses. "We present yellow roses in Texas, where part of the Raymer clan is from," Raymer said.

Savre concluded by saying Raymer possesses special traits. "Colonel Raymer is an incredible leader of character and possesses all the attributes we look for in leaders. One of his greater character traits is humility."

Raymer displayed that humbleness.

"The Lord has, for some reason that I will discern later, allowed and placed this responsibility upon me to be a brigadier general and the commandant of the engineer school," Raymer said. "I will try to be a good and faithful servant and to execute my duties to the best of my abilities."

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood Guidon Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood