Indiana National Guard promotes Freedom resident to brigadier general

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tackora Farrington | Indiana Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Justin L. Mann, center, receives his one-star rank from his daughters, Kaleigh, left, and Kierra, right, during his promotion ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Mann, of Freedom, takes the reins as Indiana National Guard director of joint staff.  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

11.20.2021

Courtesy Story

Indiana National Guard Headquarters

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana National Guard promoted its newest general in a ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial, Nov. 20.

Brig. Gen. Justin L. Mann, of Freedom, received his one-star rank from his wife, Michelle, and their children Kiera and Kaleigh, during the ceremony at the memorial's Pershing Hall.

Indiana's Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles welcomed the guests and praised Mann for his experience, dedication and tenacity.

"Justin brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and intellect to the position as the director of the joint staff." said Lyles. "He's led at every level, guided his troops well, and I look forward to bringing him on board to the Indiana National Guard command team."

Mann, who will take the reins as the director of the joint staff for the community-based force totaling approximately 14,000 members, previously, commanded the 38th Infantry Division's 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

"I am excited to stand with General Lyles in ensuring the Indiana National Guard remains one of the premier National Guard states," said Mann in a statement. "I intend to highlight the people first strategy and serve the soldiers, airmen and civilian employees of the Indiana National Guard."

During the ceremony, Mann also received a pistol, belt and a one star-flag as Indiana's newest general.

"I would like to thank General Lyles for the trust and confidence he has placed in me for selection and promotion to brigadier general," said Mann. "I look forward to the challenge and opportunity as the new director of the joint staff.

Mann's previous Indiana National Guard assignments include 76th IBCT executive officer; 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment commander; 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment executive officer; 113th Sustainment Battalion executive officer and the 76th's assistant operations officer during the unit's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008.

Mann, a Purdue University graduate, has earned the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal three times, the Army Commendation Medal five times, the Iraqi Campaign Medal and the United Nations Medal.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2021
• Date Posted: 11.29.2021 14:49
• Story ID: 410122
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: FREEDOM, IN, US