Rare ceremony held at Ellington Field

HOUSTON

This was a day more than 30 years in the making. John Turner, a West Point graduate and lifelong soldier was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

"Promotions to brigadier general are definitely a rare occasion in units," Turner said. "There are not that many generals in the Army, so this is a big occasion for myself and the 75th Division."

The 75th division has its headquarters at Ellington Field. Their job is preparing reserve soldiers for battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brigadier General Turner is their new second in command.

"Fortunately, I work with a lot of great soldiers, NCOs and officers," said Turner. "The Army's a great team. It's a big responsibility, but I look forward to every moment of it."

With family here from Georgia, Michigan, California, and other parts of Texas, Turner was awarded his general's belt, service weapon, and flag. His life of service, well recognized.

"Today's promotion demonstrates the value that the Army reserve places on experience, professional, and battle tested citizen soldiers," said U.S. Army's MG Eldon Regua.

And it demonstrates three decades worth of work pays off.

Saturday's promotion ceremony marked just the third time in Ellington's long history that a general officer was promoted there from an army reserve unit.