WASHINGTON - Col. Terry Williams was pinned the rank of brigadier general during a frocking ceremony in the garden of the Home of the Commandants, May 27.
Williams, a native of Santa Monica, California, was appointed a brigadier general following his selection as the next commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Command.
Only two and a half percent of colonels in the Marine Corps are selected for brigadier general each year.
“You have better odds of becoming the president of the United States than a general officer,” said Gen. James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The crowd of approximately 100 people consisted of Williams’ family and friends as well as other guests including Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr. and First Lady of the Marine Corps Bonnie Amos.
“This is quite humbling that I would even be standing here,” Williams said.
Williams was commissioned in 1986 after getting his mathematics degree at the University of California of Los Angeles.
Williams credits both his parents’ service in the Air Force as his motivation for joining the Marine Corps.
Throughout his 23 years of service, Williams oversaw the making of Marines as a series commander at MCRD San Diego, commanded Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia and completed combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I had some great staff [non-commissioned officers] who helped me lead my organizations and without them I would not have been successful,” Williams said. “They’ve done a fantastic job of making me look good, quite frankly.”
Williams also contributes his success to his wife of 20 years and his two sons who endured countless moves and two deployments over the years.
Williams is currently the director of communication and takes care of the internal and external communication for the Marine Corps.
In a few weeks, Williams will take on his new position as commanding general and will be instrumental in shaping the future generation of enlisted Marines.
Date Taken: | 05.27.2014 |
Date Posted: | 05.28.2014 12:47 |
Story ID: | 131325 |
Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
Hometown: | SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 1,136 |
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