Photo By Staff Sgt. LaTasha Williams | Brig. Gen. Augustus L. Collins was appointed as the adjutant general of Mississippi...... read more read more
Brig. Gen. Augustus L. Collins was appointed as the adjutant general of Mississippi during a news conference in Jackson, Jan. 11.
The newly elected Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant made the announcement.
“The National Guard is an essential part of the fighting force on which our country relies. More than ever, it is the force that makes your fellow Mississippians proud beyond words. When you call out the guard, you call out America,” said Bryant addressing the crowd. “Today, the man I have chosen to lead those 12,500 brave men and women has served in the MS National Guard with distinction for 30 years. That man is Brig. Gen. Augustus L. Collins.”
Collins commanded the 155th Brigade Combat Team of the MS Army National Guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005.
Bryant said that mobilization was Mississippi’s largest since WWII.
Under his leadership the unit achieved great success while stationed in the hostile area known as the “Triangle of Death.”
While deployed, Collins became Mississippi’s first African American general.
“I stand here before you because the Lord ordered the steps that brought me to this place,” said Collins.
Bryant told the audience the former First U.S. Army Commander Lt. Gen. Russel Honore called Collins one of the best general officers in which he had worked with during his 37 years in the Army.
“Collins has earned many awards and distinctions throughout his career, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Mississippi Magnolia Cross. His dedicated service has won him the respect and admiration of his superiors and peers,” said Bryant.
He has served recently as the executive vice president of MINACT Inc., a private company that specializes in training and developing young adults.
In 2007, Collins was nominated by Gov. Haley Barbour to serve as one of the three commissioners for the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Collins retired from the United States Army October of 2007. He served in various positions with the Mississippi National Guard and the Active Army at all levels from company to Major Army Command, including his final assignment as Director of Mobilization at United States Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, in Georgia.
“I think it is wonderful and he is so deserving of this position,” said Collins’ wife Debra as she held back tears.
Among his many achievements, Collins was also honored as a 2007 inductee into the University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame and was the 2006 Mississippi Trailblazer of the Year. He is a 2006 inductee into the Mississippi Military Academy Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.
“The time that I am in office, you can expect nothing less than my best efforts. My best efforts combined with your best efforts will be the best that can be found anywhere in this nation,” said Collins.
He spoke of the horrific tragedies of 9/11, saying we have to be prepared for anything.
“We have to be prepared for the next hurricane, tornado, ice storm or any other natural or man-made disaster,” said Collins.
Collins’ wife Debra and oldest son William, 26, were there to show support. His youngest son Benjamin, 19, was unable to attend, due to semester exams at the University of Mississippi. The director of information management in Jackson and the Information Technology department at North East Mississippi Community College made it possible for his parents to witness the announcement via teleconference.
| Date Taken: | 01.11.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2012 14:28 |
| Story ID: | 82773 |
| Location: | HATTIESBURG, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 180 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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