Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley promotes new Alabama Army National Guard general

Related Media

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Eric J. Pahon

MONTGOMERY, AL (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley promoted Col. Brian C. Harris to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony at the state Capitol, May 3.

"I am very proud to share this experience," said Gov. Bentley to the small crowd of family and Soldiers gathered in his office for the ceremony. "This man has shown himself not only to be a great Soldier and a great leader, but an outstanding asset to the state of Alabama. He has sacrificed a great deal to get here, and I'm very pleased to offer this promotion."

Harris, an Atlanta, Ga., native, is the deputy commander of the 167th Theater Support Command, a unit headquartered on Fort McClellan, Ala., with a variety of smaller units spread across the state.

"This is the biggest step of any officer's career- reaching that one percent of one percent of the Army," said Harris. "It changes how you think; how you look at the mission and your impact on the Army. I'm looking forward to tackling the challenges that lie ahead."

Harris has served in the deputy commander position since December 2012, and previously served as the 167th TSC chief operations officer. He has deployed three times, supporting Operation Noble Eagle in 2002, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2005-06, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007-08.

The 167th TSC is one of only two units Army-wide composed of both active-duty U.S. Army Soldiers and National Guard Soldiers, which enables the unit to quickly respond to natural disasters across North America. Most recently, the unit deployed to support the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Harris received his first star accompanied by the state adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Perry Smith, as well as his wife, children, father and sister.

-30-

Cutline:

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley administers the Oath of Commissioned Officers to newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Brian C. Harris in a ceremony at the state Capitol, May 3. Harris, a Monroe, Ga., native, is the 167th Theater Sustainment Command deputy commander, headquartered at Fort McClellan, Ala.