FORT RUCKER, Ala. - The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker deputy commanding general received his first star March 18.
Timothy J. Edens was promoted from colonel to brigadier general by Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general, during an Honor Eagle ceremony at Howze Field.
Edens thanked those in attendance and those who helped him achieve the level of success he has enjoyed during his time in the Army.
"This is truly a humbling experience," he said. "The incredible blessing and excitement I feel at having been selected for a flag officer rank is overwhelmed by a deep-seeded and humbling understanding that I have been very fortunate."
Edens said the talent pool of Soldiers at Fort Rucker is deep and that there are "hundreds of officers who could and should be standing here instead."
"I will never forget that we are all replaceable," he said. "Our brothers and sisters in uniform are ready to pick up the guidon whenever necessary. It is one of the many strengths of our great Army."
Edens closed by saying he felt an "overpowering sense of obligation" to the Army.
"At times such as this, I seem to gain the greatest clarity and understanding of what 'duty' truly means," he said. "There are several thousand stakeholders in this star. I'm speaking to all the Soldiers, Families and friends I have served with over the years. It is my highest obligation to make sure I make good on the investment you have made in me."
Crutchfield said Edens' promotion represents a rare occasion for Fort Rucker and the Army, the promotion of a general officer.
"It's an incredible and well-deserved achievement for an outstanding officer, Army Aviator and friend," Crutchfield said. "Achieving the rank of brigadier general is no easy task. Of the 943 West Point cadets who graduated with (Edens) in 1981, only 13 achieved (the same rank)."
Edens is a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and has served as Fort Rucker's deputy commanding general since June 2010. He was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Leslie, and their five children.
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