ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Army News Service, July 8, 2009) -- An investiture and change of command ceremony today welcomed Brig. Gen. Richard P. Mustion to the nation's capital as the 64th Adjutant General of the Army, a position first established by the Continental Congress on June 17, 1775.
As the new adjutant general, Mustion, who follows Brig. Gen. Reuben D. Jones, will also wear two other hats -- having oversight as the executive director of the Military Postal Service Agency and as commanding general of the Army Physical Disability Agency.
Mustion previously served as commander of the Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, S.C. Jones will become the next commander of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command in Alexandria, Va.
Three sets of colors were passed by host Maj. Gen. Sean J. Byrne, commander of Army Human Resources Command, whom the adjutant general reports to. Byrne said that in the 18th century, the adjutant general focused on Army headquarters staff, but now the position focuses on the Army's most important resource, Soldiers, their families, and also support to retirees.
"I look forward to being part of the Human Resources Command team, executing the personnel programs, the services and systems that enable the readiness and the sustainment of our Army, and also for taking care of the well-being of our families," said Mustion.
In his farewell, Jones reiterated that people come first, mission always, within the organization, "That's our motto and has guided me through the most challenging, yet rewarding assignment I've had in over 31 years of service... I could not have asked for a better team."
Traditionally, Adjutant General Corps officers were charged with most of the non-supply functions of Army staffs. Their focus has been primarily centered on records and holding responsibility for developing personnel and administrative policies and programs.
Mustion will also serve as the 15th executive director of the Military Postal Service Agency, which was established in 1980. As the single manager for military mail, he is responsible for its movement on commercial and military aircraft as well as commercial sealift vessels to nearly 2,000 post offices throughout 85 countries.
In his capacity as the 17th commanding general of the Army Physical Disability Agency, Mustion executes physical disability decision-making authority on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. He ensures a full and fair hearing is provided to determine a Soldier's physical fitness for continued military service. Mustion holds responsibility for determining the level and type of compensation for a Soldier who is found unfit for service due to physical disability and either separated or retired.
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