Fort Lee, Va. -- Twenty-five years ago, then 2nd Lt. Stephen E. Farmen attended his father's promotion ceremony to brigadier general on Fort Lee. Little could he have imagined then that one day the stars would align, and it would be his turn. Farmen, Chief of Transportation and Transportation School commandant, was promoted March 23 to the general officer ranks just a few blocks from the site of his father's ceremony.
The event was truly a family affair as his wife, Debbie, and mother, Honor, took park in the promotion ceremony. Retired Maj. Gen. Bill Farmen pinned his son with the same stars that were once fastened onto his shoulders.
"What a journey life is … 25 years ago, the thought that I would be standing in front of you now is in itself quite a paradox," said Farmen.
Originally, he had no intention of joining the military when he began attending the University of Richmond. But Farmen began reevaluating his plans in life and contacted his father to ask about the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
"I'm quite sure he was stunned," said Farmen, who went to the ROTC office and joined after his sophomore year, without a scholarship. After graduating college, Farmen joined the Army as a second lieutenant in the Transportation Corps.
Although Farmen's military career took him around the world, he's always maintained ties to the Richmond area. Among his honored guests attending the ceremony was Dr. E. Bruce Heilman, University of Richmond chancellor. When Farmen graduated the university in 1986, Heilman, a Marine veteran who fought in the Pacific during World War II, was the school's president and signature authority for diplomas.
"Certainly, it is a personal thrill that he was in attendance. He is truly an iconic figure in the realm of education, and his life story is truly impressive," said Farmen.
Hundreds were in attendance at the Lee Club including many members of the Farmen family, friends and colleagues.
"Without a doubt I have many folks to thank for making this occasion a reality. For one thing is infinitely clear in all this. Today is not about me at all. It is truly about all of you, who have touched my life in some way and in doing so gave me the strength, character, moral courage and honor to stand before you and humbly accept this promotion on your behalf," said Farmen. "In reality, this is a gift that you have given me, because I am a product of the love of family, superb friendship and fortunate mentorship. You all played a part in reaching this moment … the adage 'it takes a village,' certainly resonates here today."
Following the official promotion ceremony, Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge, Combined Arms Support Command commanding general, administered the oath of office to Farmen.
"The brigadier general nomination announcement that Stephen's name appeared on had 34 names. Of those, only three were logistics officers, and one of those was Stephen," said Hodge, who served under the senior Farmen's command in Stuttgart, Germany, 15 years ago. "We're promoting a great Soldier, a great patriot and a great leader."
A traditional part of the promotion ceremony includes the issuing of special equipment. Hodge presented Farmen with a general officer's belt and pistol. This part of the ceremony, steeped in military history, is authorized by a 1943 Army Chief of Staff's memorandum stated "for a belt to be worn by all general officers when carrying a side arms, except when actually going into combat."
Farmen was also presented with a one-star flag, which was unfurled by his battle buddy, Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., Transportation Corps' top noncommissioned officer, who took responsibility for the regiment March 20.
"Stephen will now be an ambassador for the Army. As a general, his impact upon the Soldiers he leads cannot be overstated. Every word, and more importantly every deed, takes on greater significance," said Hodge.
Farmen takes the responsibility that accompanies his newly pinned rank very seriously, he said.
"Trust me when I say, I humbly accept the responsibility to continue serving, and I will strive everyday to make a positive difference and to make you proud," said the new brigadier general. "If I am one star … I am one star in a galaxy of stars, in a constellation of friends, fellow Soldiers and a family who have made it all possible."
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