Army vice chief of staff promotes Dickinson

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsJanuary 9, 2017

Army vice chief of staff promotes new SMDC leader
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Henry "Hank" J. Dickinson and Deborah R. Weisner place three stars on their newly promoted father's Army Service Uniform during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command headquarters Jan. 5. Lt. Gen. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army vice chief of staff promotes new SMDC leader
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, right, Army vice chief of staff, administers the general officer oath to Lt. Gen. James H. Dickinson during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command headquarters Jan. 5. Dickins... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- The newest commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command is also the Army's newest three star general.

Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Army vice chief of staff, promoted Maj. Gen. James H. Dickinson to lieutenant general during a private ceremony in the USASMDC/ARSTRAT headquarters Jan. 5.

"It is truly a great day for the United States Army, and certainly a great day for the Dickinson family," Allyn said. "It is truly a privilege, far more important than a promotion, for the opportunity to command our Soldiers and the important missions they perform.

"I have had the distinct privilege of serving with Jim multiple times over the years," he added. "We are pretty selective about who gets promoted to lieutenant general in the United States Army, and Jim has earned it in spades. He cares about his people; he cares about accomplishing the mission; and he doesn't care about getting any recognition."

During the ceremony, Dickinson talked about the honor of being promoted to three-star general and how privileged he is to serve.

"I am humbled and honored by this opportunity to be standing here today," Dickinson said. "I would not have imagined thirty-something years ago when I came into the Army that I would be here today. It is truly an honor."

Dickinson said the day was made more special because it was his late father's birthday. He also thanked his family who traveled to witness the historic occasion and said they were the biggest reason he is where he is today.

"I would not and could not be here today without you," Dickinson said about his wife, Angie. "I could not be more happy to be here today with you by my side as we take this next step together."

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Dickinson promotion Flickr photo set