Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson (left) pins the major general insignia onto the shoulder straps of newly promoted Eighth Army Deputy Commanding General of Sustainment Maj. Gen. David J. Conboy. His wife Karen helps during his ...
YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - After 28 years in the U.S. Army and a year and a half with Eighth Army, Brig. Gen David J. Conboy donned a set of shiny new stars before handing over his responsibility as deputy commanding general of sustainment to Brig. Gen. Chris R. Gentry in a ceremony Nov. 2 at Knight Field at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan.
After Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson and Conboy's wife Karen pinned the insignia of major general onto his shoulders, Johnson described the extent to which Conboy has been an asset to Eighth Army and how well deserved this promotion was.
"While awards are all about past performance, promotions are all about future potential," Johnson said. "In our system, it is recognition by our senior Army leadership that Dave Conboy has what it takes to lead our Army into the future.
"It is recognition that Dave Conboy, a proven combat veteran, is a leader of character and high moral standing, who takes action to care for our Soldiers, our civilian workforce and families -- that he is a leader who lives the Army values -- that he demonstrates not only the technical and tactical knowledge and skills to lead Soldiers in combat, if necessary, but that he consistently displays the mature judgment needed of our senior-most leaders."
The brand new major general stood alongside his wife and daughter Clare, while Johnson also recognized Karen for her exceptional selfless volunteer service to the community, the installation and the Eighth Army family.
"We count ourselves extremely blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve and support the ROK-U.S. Alliance, our nation's strongest alliance," Conboy said.
During Conboy's remarks, he humbly thanked a number of general officers specifically for their leadership, mentorship and guidance.
"Lieutentant General Johnson, thank you for hosting this ceremony," he said. "It has truly been the highlight of my career to serve as your deputy and it is an honor to have you promote me to major general. I've learned more about leadership through your example in the last two years than I have in my previous 26 years of service and the way that you have transformed Eighth Army is remarkable and will have absolutely enduring and significant benefits not only for this alliance, but for our Army."
The Conboys are returning to their home state of New York, and he will command the 416th Theater Engineer Command from Illinois.
Brig. Gen. Chris R. Gentry brings more than 30 years of combined active and reserve experience to the Eighth Army team.
Both Johnson and Conboy took time to welcome Gentry to Eighth Army and express their excitement and confidence in his assignment here.
"Welcome to the team, Chris," Johnson said. "We look forward to your leadership, and we wish your wife Dian and your daughter Heather all the best."
Conboy reiterated Johnson's warm welcome to the new deputy commanding general.
"Chris, you are absolutely the right person for this job," Conboy said. "It has been a pleasure working with you during the transition, and I know that you will be absolutely superb as the DCG for sustainment."
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