 COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 2, 2012) — Col. John C. Harris Jr. had told several people that he did not want to make a big deal out of the day's events, but Family and friends, as well as current and former National Guard members, simply would not allow it.
More than an estimated 350 people watched Harris, Ohio's assistant adjutant general for Army, get promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony at the Ohio National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, located at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in northwest Columbus.
Maj. Gen. Deborah A. Ashenhurst, Ohio adjutant general, noted that the great turnout on a rainy Friday afternoon was "a testament to the impact Col. Harris has had on all of you."
"He knows how to make others get things done, which is a true sign of a leader... He makes people want to do good things," Ashenhurst said. "As any leader knows, you look good, when you can make your subordinates successful."
Originally from Cleveland and currently a Pickerington, Ohio, resident, Harris was federally recognized as a general officer on Feb. 17.
"So, I said a simple gathering — Family and friends," Harris quipped during his remarks, in reference to his wishes for the ceremony, in contrast to the nearly full drill floor at Beightler Armory.
It was indeed a Family affair as Harris's wife, Angela, herself a former captain in the Ohio Army National Guard, and the couple's three children — Aysha, Rachel and John III — administered the ceremonial pinning of brigadier general rank on Harris' uniform. His father, retired Sgt. 1st Class John Sr., helped present Harris with his scarlet general officer flag bordered in gold fringe, with one white star in the middle.
Aysha, an airman first class in the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing, spoke of her father's ability to influence those around him to succeed by setting the example.
"His work ethic and his positive attitude inspire me — from sports to basic training," she said. "I would not be where I am without my father."
Harris acknowledged the many people who have supported him to achieve what he has in his life and career. He said his mother and father trained him to value the things in life that are important, including Family. He also acknowledged all the fellow Guard members, including many general officers who preceded him, in guiding him to where he stands today.
"I've been fortunate to cross paths with a lot of great people in my career," Harris said.
Harris assumed duties as Ohio's assistant adjutant general for Army on Jan. 11, 2011. With over a year in that position, Harris has worked to establish policies, priorities and oversight for the readiness of the more than 11,000 Ohio National Guard Soldiers.
A member of the Ohio Army National Guard throughout his entire military career, which began in 1981, Harris received a commission in 1984 through Officer Candidate School, and then went through schooling to become an Army helicopter pilot. Harris has commanded at the detachment, company and squadron levels, and also deployed from June 2004 to March 2005 as commander of Task Force Lancer, in support of Kosovo Force (KFOR) 6A. Ohio National Guard troops were part of a NATO-led international security force of more than 46,000 military personnel, from 39 countries. |
Ohio's assistant adjutant general for Army 
