FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Col. W Bochat, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School commandant, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony July 8 in Nutter Field House.
The presiding officer for the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, thanked everyone who helped make the ceremony possible and called Bochat’s promotion, “an incredible honor and an incredible opportunity for an incredible officer.”
“This promotion is not a prize, a reward or a thank you,” Beck said. “Officers are not promoted for what they’ve already accomplished. They are promoted for what our nation needs of you in the future. Your promotion is based on potential and the ability the Army knows that you have going forward.”
Beck said Bochat was one of 5,200 Army officers commissioned in 1996, and he noted just 15 of those officers have been promoted to general officer — for a promotion percentage of .2%.
“That’s pretty impressive,” Beck said. “And of that .2%, she is No. 1 as far as chemical officers. There are no other chemical officers being promoted right now in her year group.”
Calling the Bochats, “an incredible Army family,” Beck also made the point that no Soldier accomplishes anything at this point in their career doing it alone. He said it’s important to recognize Bochat’s family, “for the many years of service and support they have provided throughout her entire career.”
According to Beck, Bochat’s promotion is not a prize, a reward or a thank you.
“Rather, this promotion highlights a special trust and relationship the American people have with you,” he said. “W, it’s about your future potential to lead strategically in our Army. We’re about to pin the stars of a general officer on your shoulders. In times of darkness and uncertainty, the star has been seen as a symbol of guidance and clarity. Like a star in the sky, it gives us hope and reassurance of the path ahead, and it points the way.”
Beck concluded his remarks with a challenge to Bochat.
“W, I know you’ve been called upon to lead, not just through the easy times but through the tough times. You will continue to be called upon to provide direction and to light the way ahead in complex and uncertain environments,” Beck said. “I know you are well-prepared to continue to inspire confidence and support among the men and women you lead. I could not be prouder or happier for you and your family today.”
After Bochat’s family members pinned on her brigadier general rank, Beck administered the Oath of Office and the general officer flag, belt and pistol were presented.
Bochat, who grew up in a military family and lived all over the world, thanked the Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers and civilians, who put the ceremony together, and everyone who helped her achieve this milestone.
“There are so many people that put me here in front of you,” Bochat said. “The responsibility to do something positive is not lost on me.”
Bochat ended her remarks with what she called, “the secret of life.”
“The secret of life is to fall seven times and get up eight,” she said.
Bochat has degrees in political science from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama; advanced military studies from the School of Advanced Military Studies; and national resources strategy from the National Defense University’s Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy; and is a graduate of the British Higher Command and Staff College, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Combined Arms Service Staff School.
Her awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit, with one oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal, with three oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal, with four oak leaf clusters; Joint Service Achievement Medal; and Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
More photos from the promotion ceremony are available to view and download on the Fort Leonard Wood Flickr page.
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