Chatham Soldier promoted to Brigadier General

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CHATHAM, IL (10/02/2015)(readMedia)-- CHATHAM, Ill. – Chris Lawson of Chatham, Illinois, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics at the United States Army Central, Third Army, was promoted to brigadier general by Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau during a promotion ceremony in the Joint Chief of Staff Flag Room, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., Sept. 18, 2015.

"Chris has been with the Illinois National Guard for a long time and I have no doubts he will continue to do great things for this country and state. He will bring his boundless energy, enthusiasm and dedication to his new position, he will represent Illinois well," said Major General Richard J. Hayes, the Adjutant General. "It is an honor to have him join the few that have earned the rank of general."

Lawson assumed duties as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics at the United States Army Central in September 2015.

His duties include synchronizing, planning and executing theater logistics operations for Title 10 and Army Forces sustainment of Joint/ Coalition Forces throughout the United States Central Command area of operations.

He was commissioned in 1988 in the Illinois Army National Guard as a Medical Service Corps Officer and later branch transferred to the Quartermaster Corps.

Lawson has served in many critical roles at all levels of command and staff in his career. He has served as a Company Commander, Commander of the 634th Forward Support Battalion, 66th Infantry Brigade Logistics Integration Support Team, Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting Command, 108th Sustainment Brigade, and Deputy Task Force Commander of Task Force White Eagle of the Polish Land Forces. He also served as the first Joint Chief of Staff, Illinois Joint Force Headquarters of the Illinois National Guard and is the sixth Chief of Staff of the National Guard Joint Staff for the National Guard Bureau.

"Earning this rank is truly a milestone in my life and my career," said Lawson. "I wouldn't be where I am without the brothers and sisters serving next me every day."

Lawson has deployed three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lawson has also supported military operations in Bolivia, Germany and Poland.

Lawson has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Monmouth College and also has a master's degree in strategic studies from the Army War College.

Photo Cutline 1: Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau promotes Chris Lawson of Chatham, Illinois, the Assistant Chief of Staff at United States Army Central, Third Army, to brigadier general during a promotion ceremony in the Joint Chief of Staff Flag Room, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., Sept. 18, 2015.

Photo Cutline 2: Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Kadavy, Director, Army National Guard, National Guard Bureau reads the oath of office to Chris Lawson of Chatham, Illinois, the Assistant Chief of Staff at United States Army Central, Third Army, promoting Lawson to brigadier general during a ceremony in the Joint Chief of Staff Flag Room, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., Sept. 18, 2015.

Photo Cutline 3: Chris Lawson of Chatham, Illinois, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics at the United States Army Central, Third Army, was promoted to brigadier general by Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau during a promotion ceremony in the Joint Chief of Staff Flag Room, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., Sept. 18, 2015. Lawson assumed duties as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics at the United States Army Central in September 2015.