FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. (NETCOM/9th SC(A)) - The auditorium inside Greely Hall was filled to capacity Dec. 11, by those wishing to view a small piece of history, and to give well wishes to the guest of honor. That day, Susan Lawrence, commanding general of U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army) was promoted to major general.

The simple ceremony was attended by Lawrence\'s family and friends from Ida Grove, Iowa, members of the command, and officials from post units and the surrounding communities. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Sorenson, the Army's Chief Information Officer, officiated the ceremony and spoke with respect about Lawrence's personal fight against cancer, and about her service to the nation and the command.

"In the Army, we have values," Sorenson said, reciting the seven Army values. "There is no person I have seen that basically characterizes or epitomizes those types of values than Susan Lawrence. "She came here to NETCOM as one who had a clear understanding of what the mission was. Ever since she set foot in NETCOM, she has been mission focused to try to improve what we are doing today - to deliver a better network to our Soldiers who are on point."

Members of Lawrence's family removed the single star from her epaulets and pinned on the new rank of major general. Once complete, Command Sgts. Maj. Donald Manley and Kenneth Williams, NETCOM/9th SC (A) and 7th Signal Command (Theater) command sergeants major, respectively, unfurled Lawrence's two-star flag.

"I know that without a doubt that this Army is a team sport, and that's what gets us here these days," Lawrence said. "I know there could be 10 others as equally qualified standing here today. I am honored and humbled that the Nation has seen fit to let me continue to serve and lead these great men and women of our Army, because I am so proud of them."

Lawrence assumed command of NETCOM/9th SC (A) in February 2008. She is the first woman to command the global organization, which has the responsibility to operate, maintain and defend the Army's networks and the Land Warrior Network (LandWarNet), the service's portion of the Department of Defense Global Information Grid.