Senior US Marine aviator in Afghanistan receives second star

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Richardson | Maj. Gen. Glenn M. Walters, left, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), stands with Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, the commanding general of Regional Command (Southwest), while addressing members of 2nd MAW (Fwd.) after Walters' promotion ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 2. In Afghanistan, Walters leads the aviation combat element in support of NATO International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command Southwest.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

08.02.2011

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- The commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) pinned on his second star in a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 2.

Newly promoted Maj. Gen. Glenn M. Walters deployed to Afghanistan in February from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. In Afghanistan, Walters leads the aviation combat element in support of NATO International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command Southwest.

"I pin on another star today, not due to my own efforts, but because of the quality of Marines that serve in my command,” said Walters following the promotion ceremony. “They are the only reason I am a major general today."

The general has under his charge thousands of U.S. Marines and other coalition troops who work together to provide aerial medical evacuation, close-air support, and troop and cargo transport using a variety of Marine Corps and British aircraft.

The aviation forces under Walters’ leadership support U.S., NATO coalition and Afghan operations in Afghanistan’s Nimruz and Helmand provinces.

Walters was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in May 1979, following his graduation from The Citadel. After attending flight school, Walters became a pilot of Marine Corps AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters.

In August 2003, Walters became the first commanding officer of Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. There, Walters and his Marines oversaw the testing of the MV-22B Osprey, a Marine Corps aircraft which has become a fixture in the Afghan skies.

Walters’ personal awards include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

The general is married to the former Gail Hannah of Seattle.

Connect with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) throughout the deployment. Stay up to date with the latest 2nd MAW (Fwd.) news, photos and videos at http://www.facebook.com/2ndmawfwd

• Date Taken: 08.02.2011
• Date Posted: 08.02.2011 10:32
• Story ID: 74681
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF