First Salute Rendered Via Teleconference from Afghanistan

Courtesy Photo | Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. John T. Boswell receives the customary first salute from his uncle, Sgt. Maj. John A. Thomas, via video teleconference from Afghanistan as Maj. Gen. William L. Freeman Jr., adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard, stands at attention. Thomas is currently stationed at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, with the Mississippi Army National Guard's 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. (Photo by Denita Thomas)  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.15.2010

Story by 1st Lt. Andrew Adcock 

Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - U.S. Army soldier Sgt. Maj. John A. Thomas, of the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, rendered the first salute to his nephew, John T. Boswell, during his promotion to the rank of second lieutenant at a ceremony held at the University of Mississippi main campus, Dec. 10.

The first salute was conducted via video teleconference from the 184th ESC’s headquarters at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. William L. Freeman Jr., Mississippi National Guard adjutant general, and Brig. Gen Philip R. Fisher, 184th ESC commander, were present for the ceremony. Also in attendance from Afghanistan was Maj. William M. Harlow, 184th ESC Air Mobility Officer. Prior to deployment, Harlow served as the Ole Miss Army ROTC assistant professor of military science.

“I am extremely proud to be a part of my nephew’s [Boswell] commissioning and honored to render his first salute. I know that he will be a great officer and lead troops from the front,” said Thomas.

Boswell is a 2006 graduate of Scott Central High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Mississippi. He is assigned to the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 1687th Transportation Company in Southaven.

Boswell will attend the Transportation Officer Basic Course at Fort Eustis, Va., following graduation. His future plans include attending law school at Mississippi College. He currently resides in Flowood.

Also commissioned were 2nd Lt. Michael T. Bodin of Madison, 2nd Lt. Windoll R. Brown of Grenada, 2nd Lt. Joshua N. Edwards of Columbus and 2nd Lt. Aaron C. Proctor of Crystal Springs.

• Date Taken: 12.15.2010
• Date Posted: 12.15.2010 07:20
• Story ID: 61998
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF