'Ivy' Division promotes deputy commanding general of support to brigadier general

Photo By Sgt. Philip Klein | Liz Pasquarette pins a star on Brig. Gen. James Pasquarette, deputy commanding general, support, 4th Infantry Division, with his three sons in attendance, right, Drew, Jay and Luke, during a promotion ceremony at the 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters building Dec. 18.  

FORT CARSON, UNITED STATES

12.18.2009

Story by Spc. Shameka Edwards 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins hosted a promotion ceremony for Brig. Gen. James Pasquarette, deputy commanding general, support, 4th Inf. Div., at the "Ivy" Division Headquarters building Dec. 18.

Liz Pasquarette, wife of the newly promoted general officer, pinned the star on her husband's chest in the presence of Soldiers, civilians, Family and friends of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson during the indoor promotion ceremony.

"Being promoted to the rank of brigadier general is a very tough cut to make and is reserved for only the best Soldiers who have a proven record of taking care of and training Soldiers, as well as caring for Families," Perkins said. "Col. Pasquarette does this exceptionally well."

Perkins, who is promoting a Soldier into the general officer ranks for the first time in his career, said Pasquarette, a former commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., is no stranger to the "Ivy" Division.

"The things I saw in Lt. Pasquarette that I now see in Brig. Gen. Pasquarette is a complete selfless devotion to duty, always putting the mission and his Soldiers needs above his own — always doing what is best for the Army and his unit," said Perkins, who once served as Pasquarette's company commander.

Pasquarette, who has more than 26 years of Army service, has served in duty locations throughout the U.S., Germany, Korea and Iraq.

Returning to the 4th Inf. Div. at Fort Carson to assume the responsibility of DCG-S in August, Pasquarette said his promotion to brigadier general is an honor he did not expect.

"I feel lucky to be able to continue to serve in a combat unit at this point in my career," he said.

"I think I've been given great opportunities by great bosses with a combination of good timing and being at the right places during the last 26 years to serve in a wide variety of assignments," said Pasquarette, who has served as a logistics officer, company commander, staff officer, and battalion and brigade commander.

Pasquarette said he joined the Army to complete his four year commitment to pay off a Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship.

"I fell in love with the Army while in my first unit which was in Germany, decided to stay, and here I am today," said Pasquarette.

A native of Washington Crossing, Pa., who said he calls home the many Army posts which he has served throughout his career, Pasquarette credits his wife, Liz, and three sons, Jay, Drew and Luke, for standing by him throughout his service to the nation.

"I cannot imagine being successful at anything if my Family did not support what I am doing," he said. "Liz and the boys are the most important aspect of my life. They are the reason I am here today as a general officer."

Pasquarette marks the first 4th Inf. Div. Soldier to be promoted into the ranks of general officer since the division headquarters relocated to the Mountain Post from Fort Hood, Texas.

• Date Taken: 12.18.2009
• Date Posted: 12.18.2009 21:57
• Story ID: 42941
• Location: FORT CARSON, US