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    Knowles puts on star to promote to brigadier general

    Knowles puts on star to promote to brigadier general

    Photo By Maj. David Bedard | Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Karen Mansfield, Alaska National Guard Joint...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, AK, UNITED STATES

    03.05.2019

    Story by Sgt. David Bedard 

    134th Public Affairs Detachment

    Alaska Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Charles Lee Knowles was promoted during a March 1 ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

    Knowles is the Alaska Army National Guard Land Component commander and was selected as the Alaska Army National Guard commander.

    Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Torrence W. Saxe, adjutant general for Alaska, presided over the ceremony and spoke about how far Knowles has come since commissioning in 1995. To illustrate his point, Saxe asked Army officers representing every rank between second lieutenant and colonel to line up while the general explained their increasing responsibility and scope of command.

    Saxe said Knowles made the most of every rank's charge, holding every officer leadership position from platoon leader to brigade commander.

    Knowles recalled how he began his career as an enlisted Guard Soldier with help from his wife, Tonya.

    “It was a rainy day in June 1987, when we climbed in your Toyota Corolla, and you drove me to Anchorage International Airport from Wasilla, so I could go to Basic (Combat) Training,” Knowles said, directly addressing his wife. “You were there at the beginning, and – almost 32 years later – you're still here with me carrying that heavy rucksack that spouses always seem to bear and somehow finding ways to make mine a little bit lighter.”

    Knowles thanked a number of noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers who mentored him through the years, and he thanked Alaska National Guard and state leadership for rewarding his work and potential.

    “Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to lead, and I'm honored by that trust,” he said.

    Knowles addressed Soldiers of all ranks in attendance, thanking them for their service and continued dedication to the mission.

    “You all kept coming to work every day with a purpose beyond the mission,” he said. “I am grateful for your willingness to share your ideas, counsel and trust, and I will do my best to care for you and our units.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.05.2019
    Date Posted: 03.05.2019 14:48
    Story ID: 312991
    Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, AK, US

    Web Views: 367
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN