REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - A senior Army aviator and member of the acquisition corps recently joined the rank of colonels during a promotion ceremony May 7.
James "Chris" Mills, a native of Bryson City, N.C., earned his eagles and was joined by family members, colleagues, peers and friends at an event in his honor.
Mills' promotion ceremony was held immediately after the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter casing ceremony on the same day.
"This event is really more of an opportunity for me to thank those who have stuck with me and helped me throughout my career," said Mills.
He thanked family and friends for their support over the years and thanked the mentors who saw potential in him and sought to channel his talents to serving the Army in the best way possible.
"As far as the promotion goes, I truly owe everything to God for giving me the opportunity to be a Soldier and the ability to serve my country."
Along with his promotion, Mills received other awards in recognition of his dedication and exceptional service including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Honorable Order of Saint Michael, Bronze Award from the Army Aviation Association of America.
Col. James Kennedy, project manager for Armed Scout Helicopters, highlighted several of Mills' military service accomplishments. "You have built the team with organizational discipline, integrity, communication and responsiveness, all of these are required discipline skills to do this mission.
"Chris, you'll be missed. Your personality, your drive, your leadership, and your dedication to serve which is reflective of your family's military background. We're so very proud of your accomplishments and your years of service." Kennedy also thanked the family members for their sacrifice and dedication.
Mills first joined the armed services in 1990 as a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard. He was later commissioned into the Aviation Branch in 1993 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Tennessee. He earned his Master of Science degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee Space Institute in 2003.
Mills has held a variety of responsibilities in leadership including serving as the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter product manager, class III/V support platoon leader with the 5-501st Attack Helicopter Battalion, flight platoon leader with the 6-101st Aviation Battalion, assistant S3 with the 101st Aviation Brigade, and company commander with D/-214th Aviation Regiment.
His acquisition assignments include the directorate of combat developments at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence in Fort Rucker, Ala., the Army Contracting Command, and the Defense Contract Management Agency. He also served as the assistant product manager for the Armed Scout Helicopter project office.
"I've enjoyed every assigned ever given me, and I don't regret one bit of it," said Mills. "Being a Soldier is a privilege, and I've never taken it for granted."
Mills will depart from PEO Aviation and become the new military deputy at the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center.
Mills' awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
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