Oregon Soldier promoted to colonel

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/18/2018) (readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Gerald Newman of Oregon, Illinois, was promoted to colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, July 14.

Newman, with more than 30 years of service, has held numerous positions in the Illinois Army National Guard and deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 1993, Newman supported operations during the Great Flood.

Newman's sons, Garrett, Nick, and Andrew, helped make the promotion ceremony memorable by "pinning" their dad with his new rank. Following the pinning, Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia of Chatham, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Illinois National Guard, administered the oath of office.

Zerbonia congratulated Newman on his promotion an thanked his family for their continued support.

"I've known Gerald Newman for a long time," said Zerbonia. "You deserve this promotion and are fully prepared for the commitment and next assignment you've been entrusted with. Congratulations."

Cutline 1: Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia of Chatham, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Illinois National Guard, places colonel rank on Gerald Newman of Oregon, Illinois. Newman, a veteran of more than 30 years was promoted July 14, at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs.)

Cutline 2: Maj. Gen. Michael Zerbonia of Chatham, Illinois, Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Illinois National Guard, administers the oath of office to Col. Gerald Newman of Oregon, Illinois. Newman, a veteran of more than 30 years was promoted July 14, at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs.)