With 141 days under his belt, or 3,384 hours, Maj. Gen. Doug Gabram, AMCOM Commander, assumed his current rank Friday, on a hot July Day, following AMCOM's legacy that also began on a hot July day in 1997.

Although his second star as a General Officer was pinned on by the Army Vice Chief of Staff, Gen. Daniel Allyn, in the air-conditioned Bob Jones Auditorium at Redstone Arsenal's Sparkman Center, those assembled could identify with the fact that Gabram‎ has served his country during many hot days while being deployed to combat seven times.

Allyn noted that the Army's newest Major General shares the championship roots that the Cavaliers brought to Cleveland, Ohio.

"It is an incredible privilege for me to be here," Allyn said. "We've been through some tough days, but this is a day of celebration. This is a blessing for his great family -- the Gabram Team. I want to refute the rumors that Doug could not get promoted until Cleveland won the championship. Doug Gabram is another champion."

Gabram previously served as Allyn's Chief of Staff in the 1st Cavalry Division.

"If you look at the track record of Doug Gabram, you see the path of a champion with sincere commitment and extraordinary character," Allyn said.

Gabram's natural leadership also drew Allyn's comments.

"The care and compassion that Doug had as a Battalion Commander quickly become known to those whom he led," Allyn said. "He served as an umbrella for the entire organization. He had no interest in his own welfare, and he had complete passion to assure that those who served with him had what they needed."

Gabram received his commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, in 1984. He recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

"Our entire Army Materiel Command is devoted to enabling readiness," Gabram said. "AMC has a command climate of dignity and respect. There have been numerous officers, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers and civilians who have enabled me to be able to stand before you today.

"Gen. Dick Cody (former Army Vice Chief of Staff) taught me the Ten Commandments of Leadership, and that nothing good happens after midnight. I was honored to give back some of that mentorship to his sons Clint and Tyler. Bill Reeder taught me the importance of resiliency; he's in the Army Aviation Hall of Fame."

To whom much is given, much is expected.

"My wife Lori is the secret sauce in the Gabram family," the Commanding General said. "This promotion is a sacred privilege that is extremely humbling. We look forward to continuing the service to our nation. God Bless our Soldiers in Harm's Way."