One of Army aviation's leaders was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony Friday.
Former Program Executive Officer for Aviation Maj. Gen. Tim Crosby officiated Brig. Gen. Thomas Todd's ceremony at Todd's request. Todd "grew up" under Crosby, starting in the Cargo Helicopters Project Office as the product manager for the CH-47F Chinook.
"We recognized immediately that this guy had potential," Crosby said.
Todd led the CH-47F program through a successful operational test, first unit equipped, and initial operational capability, and initial deployment of the system into Operation Enduring Freedom. After graduating from Air War College, he served as the director for Aviation, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. In 2011, he assumed duties as the project manager for the Utility Helicopters Project Office within PEO Aviation.
"He is one of those guys that exudes confidence. Not arrogance, but confidence," Crosby said. "What's most impressive … is that he is confident in his decision making, and he stands by and has the courage on his convictions. He analyzes decisions as a good leader does, but the best trait he has in my mind is that he's got the motto that if you take care of the people below you, critique from senior leadership will take care of themselves."
Just before executing the promotion procedures, Crosby presented Todd with one of his one-star insignias. "I saved one of my stars to give to Thomas," Crosby said, handing Todd the rank. "I'll be proud if you wear one of them."
Todd thanked his family, his wife Tracy most of all for her love and support over the years. "It is a pleasure, a surprise to be up here, and completely humbled by the opportunity. It's something I never even thought of before," Todd said.
He talked about the journey he and his family took to arrive at this point in their lives. "All I ever wanted to do in life, and I didn't know where it would take me, was flying," Todd said.
He mused about some of the experiences that impacted his life and decisions, and the people -- leaders, mentors and friends -- who ultimately helped to shape his future.
"As I made rank in my military career, I realized you're as good as the people you have," Todd said. He credited Crosby for his mentorship. "Sir, your leadership is just amazing.
"For me, it is and will always be about the Soldiers we touch and influence and whose lives we impact. I will do my very best, now and in the future to make an impact in your lives, to make sure that all Soldiers finish their mission and come home in the care and love of our nation."
Todd will become the deputy commander for the Research, Development and Engineering Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
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