JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - Soldiers, families and guests visiting Joint Base Lewis-McChord gathered at the French Theater, March 28, for a ceremony honoring the deputy commanding general-operations, of the 7th Infantry Division.
Col. Willard Burleson III was promoted to brigadier general following remarks by Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl, deputy commanding general, I Corps.
"This is an occasion for celebration; interesting fact: there are only around 320 general officers in the Army," Dahl said. "Bill will be taking on tremendous responsibilities in addition to what he's already been doing."
Dahl brought up another point of interest, in that Burleson's initial assignment was as an infantry platoon leader in the 7th Infantry Division (light), Fort Ord, Calif. This included service in the Multi-National Force and Observers, Sinai, Egypt and Operation Just Cause, Panama.
Burleson's more recent assignments include Command of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Burleson also served as the Commander of the Joint Readiness Training Center's Operations Group at Fort Polk, La.
He holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College and in Military Art and Science from the Command and General Staff College.
After the announcer read the promotion orders, Burleson's wife Cindy and his mother, Marlene, pinned the single stars of brigadier general rank, onto his uniform.
"As general officers, we should hold ourselves to a very high standard, and I ask that we re-commit ourselves to the Army ideals," Dahl said, before he administered the oath of office for Burleson.
Burleson received a traditional general officer's flag, signifying the general's presence, a black leather general's belt with 18-karat gold-plated buckle and a M9, 9mm Beretta pistol with a serial number assigned only to general officers.
"Thanks for all the continued support, not only for myself but for our soldiers and community," Burleson said. "It's humbling, and certainly a pleasure to be able to continue to serve, doing what I love doing."
Burleson's next assignment will be to U.S. Army Central Command, in Tampa, Fla.
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