Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr.'s Promotion to Lieutenant General At First Army Headquarters

Photo By Sgt. Tyler Morford | FORSCOM Commanding General, Gen. Michael X. Garrett, swears in Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto, during Maj. Gen. Aguto's promotion to Lieutenant General at First Army Headquarters, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill., on July 8, 2021. After the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Aguto was welcomed by First Army as the 40th Commanding General of First Army during the Change of Command Ceremony, held later that day at First Army Headquarters.  

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, IL, UNITED STATES

07.08.2021

Story by Spc. Tyler Morford 

First Army

Before becoming First Army's 40th Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr., a Soldier of more than 33 years of service, uncased First Army's three-star flag with the Command Sergeant Major of First Army, Command Sgt. Maj. John P. McDwyer, signifying Maj. Gen. Aguto's promotion to Lieutenant General. The promotion ceremony was held at First Army Headquarters, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill., on July 8, 2021.

After Meeting with the newly promoted Lt. Gen. Aguto's family, friends, and classmates, some of whom traveled from the Philippines, FORSCOM Commanding General, Gen. Michael X. Garrett, spoke to the First Army Team. "This promotion represents the sum of all of Tony's experiences, he's a proven combat leader who served in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan; he has built trust and interoperability with our partners around the globe."

Gen. Garrett also mentioned his family's legacy of service, "Tony, the grandson of a WWII Filipino scout turned commissioned U.S. Army captain, it's clear that Tony has the Army in his blood, and continues to honor his family's legacy through his service today." Lt. Gen. Aguto thanked the attendees and explained the importance of sharing experiences, such as those of his father-in-law and grandfather, which encouraged him to first join the Army. "It's more than just the stories, it's about the people you share them with, and I'm so looking forward to sharing new stories and chapters at First Army with all of you."

• Date Taken: 07.08.2021
• Date Posted: 07.27.2021 09:46
• Story ID: 400663
• Location: ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, IL, US