FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Maj. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commanding general, U.S. Army Cyber Command, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general March 25 at Fort Belvoir, Va., in a ceremony presided over by Gen. James D. Thurman, commanding general U.S. Forces Command.
"Less than 10 percent of major generals in the U.S. Army are promoted to a three-star lieutenant general," said Thurman, who joined Hernandez's wife, Pat, as they pinned the third star.
More than 300 friends, Soldiers, civilians and contractors joined Hernandez to honor and support the promotion. The U.S. Senate confirmed Hernandez's presidential nomination to the rank of lieutenant general March 2. He assumed command of the U.S. Army Cyber Command on Oct. 1, 2010 when the command was activated.
Hernandez was commissioned a second lieutenant, artillery, from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., on June 2, 1976. During his 34 years of service, he has served in numerous key field and staff assignments.
During his address, Hernandez thanked his family.
"Now to a family that has given me more love and joy in a lifetime than any individual should have," he said. "My mother could not be here today to hear me say how thankful I am for the opportunity she prepared me for. She taught me values that made me feel right at home in the military. She is where it all started, I miss her today and love her dearly.
"I saved the best and hardest for last, to my daughter Sarah, my son Mark and my wife, Pat. They are the best. They make me smile when I see them and when I talk to them. Every time I see them I can only think of how fortunate I am."
Hernandez has commanded several units including the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery and the Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. He also served as the assistant division commander, 1st Armored Division, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and as commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Alexandria, Va.
Hernandez also served as a strategic planner with the Office of Personnel Management System Task Force in Alexandria, Va., the Chief of Operations Division for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., director of the Office of Personnel Management Directorate and chief of the U.S. Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia.
Hernandez is a graduate of the field artillery basic and advanced courses, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and the National War College at Fort Leslie J. McNair, Washington, D.C. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy, a Master of Education degree in systems engineering from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science degree in national security and strategic studies from National Defense University in Washington, D.C.
His decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star Medal - meritorious; Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Combat Action Badge; Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge; and Army Staff Identification Badge.
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