Photo By Staff Sgt. Dayan Neely | Army Staff Sgt. Pedro Aleman III, communications noncommissioned officer, Headquarters...... read more read more
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FORT HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif. - There is a lot of pomp and circumstance involved in the ceremonious activities of military generals and the retirement of U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jon D. Lee, commanding officer of the 91st Training Division at Fort Hunter-Liggett, Calif., was in no way short of this standard. In consideration of his 31 years of selfless service, Lee's retirement ceremony was only a small token of appreciation his Soldiers were proud to convey.
On April 26, 2015, in front of family, friends and fellow service members, Lee's troops performed a final ceremony at the Fort Hunter-Liggett parade field to honor a man and his tireless commitment towards fellow Soldier, family, and country.
Honors, such as an 11-round cannon volley and encasing of the General's flag, were given prior to speakers addressing the audience.
Lee is a distinguished graduate of the University of Santa Clara, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. In 1984, he commissioned as a 2nd Lt., and completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Ga. From there, he was assigned to the Army Reserve. Lee is also a graduate of the Infantry Officer Advance Course, Airborne school, Air Assault school, Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.
He served with the 100th Bn., 442nd Infantry Regiment, at Fort De Russy, Hawaii, as rifle and mortar platoons leader, company executive officer, and company commander. From August, 1999, through September, 2002, Lee was the commanding officer of the 100th Bn., before moving on to future endeavors.
Lee served with various units prior to taking command of the 91st TD, including chief of Operations for Combined Joint Task Force 7, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Oct. 2003 to April, 2004, and deputy commanding general for the 63rd Regional Support Command, from September, 2009, to June, 2012.
His awards and decorations include, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
On June 29, 2012, Lee assumed command of the 91st TD. His task as commanding general has been to train and prepare for deployment, Reserve and active duty units from all branches of the military, utilizing large-scale exercises to accomplish an overall mission of readiness.
"It's an absolute honor," stated Brig. Gen. Aaron T. Walter, deputy commanding general, 84th Training Command and guest speaker. "Let me underline that and say it again, honor, to be with you all here today in celebration of General Lee's commitment to sacrifice ..."
Walter highlighted Lee's career and praised him for his hard work, commitment to service and family and his overall success in life.
"He is very proud of you all," said Walter of Lee's family. "Indeed, where would any service member be without the support of our loved ones?"
Walter made way for the honoree, Lee, to address his troops one last time, and to give a 31-year-old thank you to his wife and children.
"I [have] three themes," said Lee. "Service, love for the job and people and have a sense of humor when you do your job- and smile. I leave you now with a smile and not a tear. It would not be like me."
He carried that smile off the podium and to his awaiting family, having earned every bit of pomp and circumstance that was given.
| Date Taken: | 04.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2015 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 161407 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 356 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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