HomeNewsArticle Display

Former 76th MXW commander pins on first star

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Congratulations Brig. Gen. Cedric George.

During an event attended by approximately 200 people at Bldg. 3001's Hollywood and Vine intersection, the former 76th Maintenance Wing commander pinned on his first star. With presiding officer and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Litchfield by his side, General George participated in several protocol ceremonies and rites of passage.

"Wow. That's the only word that comes to mind. Wow," said General George, looking out into the audience at the guests, which included family, high-school friends, his pastor and colleagues. "You can imagine on a day like today emotions are high for the George family; we are in a place of gratitude, actual gratitude, as we celebrate this promotion but also prepare to depart to other things the Air Force asks us to do. We're grateful, but we're grieving. I absolutely love Oklahoma; fell in love with it the moment we arrived."
General Litchfield commented on General George's successes as the 76th MXW commander, in his career and mentioned the qualities it takes to achieve the rank of brigadier general.

"If you look back over an officer's career, it's a test from day one, and you go through phases. We watch you develop individual competencies," said General Litchfield. "We want you to be a team leader, team builder and then we want you to be a corporate asset ... but, when the Air Force starts recognizing you as a corporate asset, you can make decisions with not only the unit in mind but what's best for the Air Force and present yourself to members of Congress and communities as a corporate asset, that's when you become a contender for the rank.

"But, then there comes the final cut. And, I have to say -- this is not official, this is Bruce Litchfield's opinion -- of three colonels in that position that could wear the rank of star, only one will get it," he said. "When you make it through all that and prove yourself, the Air Force then looks to see if you have the potential to lead in what's going to be a tremendously challenging environment. Cedric got the nod. They said he's the man, and I couldn't think of a better choice, candidate and selectee to wear the next rank of brigadier general in our Air Force."

General George, an electrical engineering graduate from Norwich University in Vermont, gained acquisition logistics experience early in his career at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. At Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., he learned about maintenance, which steered him to command a maintenance squadron, group and wings. For many of the positions, General Litchfield said General George was requested by name; his reputation preceded him.

General George continues to astound his leadership, colleagues and team members. He will soon depart Tinker for Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where he will become the first Air Force Sustainment Center's Air Logistics Complex commander, another assignment in which he was specifically requested, General Litchfield said.

The ceremony also included a reading of the promotion order, pinning of insignia on General George's uniform, which was done by his wife, daughters and a friend of the family. General Litchfield also re-administered the oath of office to General George and presented him with a personal flag displaying his brigadier general star.