Large turnout for flag officer promotion

Courtesy Photo | Colonel Rufus J. Smith gets promoted to Brig. Gen. by his wife Phillipa, Jan. 23 at the Ohio National Guard state headquarters.  

UNITED STATES

01.31.2009

Story by Capt. Michelle Smith 

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

By Capt. Michelle Smith
Ohio National Guard public affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Most people do not know how much people care until they leave an organization. Some spend their whole lives wondering if they have made an impact. Newly pinned Brig. Gen. Rufus J. Smith, commander of the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, found out Jan. 23 when more than 300 people attended his promotion ceremony.

He was accompanied by wife Phillipa, daughters Raechelle and Chanel and son Jeurell, as well as his father and 14 other members of his family. In attendance at the standing-room-only ceremony were Majs. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general and Matthew Kambic, the assistant adjutant general for Army, along with past and present general officers from the Ohio National Guard.

Smith began his service to Ohio in 1982 as the clerk for D Battery, 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. Within a year he had joined the officer ranks. "I did not set out to be a general," he said. "I just wanted to leave every organization better than I found it."

His career, which includes leadership from the platoon to brigade level, including command of more than 4,500 Soldiers in combat, has allowed him to do just that. He has now joined the ranks of general officer, an honor reserved for less than one half of one percent of the Army's military officers.

Thunderous applause filled the hall when Wayt mentioned the "absolute integrity, infectious smile and charismatic leadership" as the most remarkable aspects of Smith's character. "He makes you want to do more than just your job," said Maj. Jeffrey Buck, who started his full-time career working for Smith.

As an African-American, Smith acknowledged his promotion may inspire other minorities to reach for the stars, and he wants to "continue to inspire all Soldiers." A look at the diverse gathering told the story of a leader who inspires everyone he touches. Kambic passionately told the crowd that Smith "brings his love of people and color-blindness to all he does."

Smith likened his military community to a society where "all Soldiers end up more alike than we are different." He spoke of the honor and privilege he felt because of the promotion, saying each and every person had contributed to his success. "If you do not see a part of you, then you are missing something," he said.

Presiding over the ceremony, Chief of the Joint Staff Col. Al Faber said it was the largest crowd ever assembled for a promotion during his 30 years in the military. The receiving line of those waiting to personally congratulate Smith lasted for more than half an hour. Smiles flashed and those in line reminisced about how Smith had touched their lives. In characteristic Smith fashion, each person received a personal and heartfelt greeting.

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," Smith said.

• Date Taken: 01.31.2009
• Date Posted: 01.31.2009 01:18
• Story ID: 29489
• Location: US