Samuel L. "Lee"
Henry ’83
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Texas Army National Guard Maj. Gen.
Austin, Texas
he Division Commander, 36th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Samuel “Lee” Henry was commissioned a Distinguished Military Graduate in the Infantry in 1983 from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, his first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). In 1987, he entered the Texas Army National Guard. As a member of 71st Troop Command, he held consecutive positions as S3 Air, Commander of G Company, 143rd Infantry (Airborne), and Aide de Camp to the Commander, Troop Command. In 1994, he was assigned to the 36th Brigade, 49th Armored Division and served as Assistant S3, S4 Logistics Officer and graduated from the Command and General Staff College. In 1996, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry (Mechanized), and served as the S3 Operations Officer. In 1998, he transferred to 3rd Brigade, 49th Armored Division, and served as the S3 Operations Officer. While Commanding 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry from 2001 to 2004, he also served as the Deputy Chief, Operations III (US) Corps, Fort Hood, Texas while mobilized in support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE I and later as the Team Leader, Technology Evaluation & Integration Team for the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Task Force reporting to the ARMY G3 at Fort Belvoir, VA.
He was selected and attended the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Having completed the War College in 2005, he was activated and selected to command TF Strike, OPERATION ENDURING MISSION III, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Henry commanded, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, Iraq in 2008. In 2010 he was assigned as the Chief of Staff, 36th Infantry Division (Rear) during the
Division Headquarters’ deployment to Iraq in support of OPERATION NEW DAWN prior to his promotion and selection as the Assistant Division Commander – Maneuver, 36th Infantry Division. From June 2016-February 2017 he assumed Command of Train, Advise, Assist, Command – South (NATO) while deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, representing the first time a National Guard Division headquarters was deployed and responsible for a Regional Command in Afghanistan. On May 1, 2017, Henry assumed command of the 36th Infantry Division.
Henry’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, Master degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Studies, The Army Command General Staff Course and he is a graduate of the United States Army War College.
His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Bronze oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with a Silver and three Bronze oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary & Service Medals, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Parachutist’s Badge, the Ranger Tab and many other various Federal and State awards and decorations. He is a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice “Centurion” by the National Infantry Association.
Henry is currently employed with SAP America, Inc. He and his wife Tricia live in Austin, Texas, and have three children and one grandchild.
Charles H.
Kone ’52
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Texas Army National Guard Maj. Gen.
Niceville, FL
Maj. Gen. Charles H. Kone is retired and currently resides in Niceville, FL. He was Commander of the 49th Armored Division from November 13, 1987 to May 22, 1989.
A. Bentley
Nettles ’85
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Texas Army National Guard Brig. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Adrian B. "Bentley" Nettles '85 is a retired brigadier general in the Texas Army National Guard with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nettles was general counsel for the Army Element Joint Force Headquarters of the Texas Army National Guard. Nettles, who serves on the Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) board, is a lawyer in Bryan Texas, owner of Nettles Law PLLC.
The Bryan city council chose BG Bentley Nettles to be executive director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
Nettles plans to continue chairing the local Brazos Valley Cares military non profit agency and participating on the BTU board of directors.
Gerald "Jake"
Betty ’73
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Texas State Guard - Army Maj. Gen.
Austin, Texas
On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, Maj. Gen. Gerald “Jake” Betty took command of the Texas State Guard from Maj. Gen. Manuel “Tony” Rodriguez at a change of command ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.
Governor Rick Perry announced last month that Betty would assume command upon the retirement of Rodriguez, who has commanded the TXSG since August 2012.
Betty joined the TXSG in January 2006, after a distinguished career in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. Betty received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in 1973. Upon entering active duty he was assigned to the 1st 501st Infantry Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. Upon leaving active duty in 1977, he was assigned as Company Commander C-Company, 1st 143 Infantry, 36th Airborne Brigade, Texas National Guard. Additionally, in 1979 Betty transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves and held various leadership positions. In February 2003, he was mobilized to the Defense Intelligence Agency as Chief, Iraq Survey Group, Fusion Center - CONUS, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 2003 after serving a total of 30 years.
During his time in the TXSG, Betty has held a number of leadership positions to include serving as the Director of Personnel and Administration for the organization headquarters. While commander of the 8th Regiment, Betty served on several State Active Duty missions for Hurricanes Dean, Gustav, Dolly, Edouard, and Ike. In March of 2013, Betty was selected to serve as Commanding General of the Army Component Command.
As commander, Betty will be responsible for the organization, training and administration of the Texas State Guard, reporting directly to the Texas Adjutant General. Currently, more than 2,200 men and women actively service in the TXSG, divided into four operational components: Army, Air, Maritime and Medical. The mission of the Texas State Guard is to provide mission-ready military forces to assist state and local authorities in times of state emergencies; to conduct homeland security and community service activities under the umbrella of Defense Support to Civil Authorities; and to augment the Texas Army and Air National Guard as required.
Betty and wife, Juli, have been married for 40 years and have two children, Josh and Alison. Their son and son-in-law proudly serve in the U.S. Army as a Major and Sgt. 1st Class.
Betty was honored to take command from Rodriguez and is ready for the next chapter of his military career.
Prior to the change of command ceremony, Betty was promoted to Major General.
Larry
Patterson ’72
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TX Army National Guard Brig. Gen.
Highland Village, Tx.
Brigadier General (Brevet) Larry N. Patterson was born in Fort Worth, Texas during 1949. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and later earned a Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas.
BG Larry N. Patterson was commissioned as a second lieutenant, Engineer, from the Reserve Officer Training Corps of Texas A&M University in 1972, as a Distinguished Military Graduate. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College.
BG Patterson has commanded troops at the platoon, company, Battalion and Brigade level. Military assignments include duty as platoon leader, company executive officer and company commander, Battalion S4, S3, Asst. Division Engineer, Battalion Executive Officer, Mobilization Exercise Officer, 111th Engineer Battalion Commander, Acting Division Inspector General, Executive Officer Engineer Brigade, and Commander of the Engineer Brigade, 49th Armored Division. During 2000 he deployed to OPERATION JOINT FORGE: Bosnia-Herzegovina Stabilization Force (SFOR7) serving as Chief Engineer for Multinational Division (North). His final assignment was Deputy Director Facilities & Engineering Directorate AGTX. On January 1, 2011 the Texas Adjutant General promoted Colonel Patterson to the rank of Brigadier General (Brevet) in the Texas Army National Guard by order of Governor Rick Perry.
BG Patterson’s awards include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with (2) oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with (6) oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star device; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hour Glass and “M” device; Army Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon; NATO Medal; Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, and various state awards. BG Patterson was also recognized by the U. S. Army Engineer Association with the “Silver Order of the De Fleury Medal.”
BG Patterson is a life member of the National Guard Association of United States, the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT), and the U. S. Army War College Association. He is also a member of the Association of the U. S. Army, U. S. Army Engineer Association and the Military Order of World Wars. BG Patterson served for six years on the NGAT Board of Directors in various leadership positions ending his term on the Board as NGAT Vice-President. As a result of BG Patterson’s outstanding military career and dedicated service to the State of Texas, he was presented the National Guard Association of Texas “Minuteman Award” for the year 2004.
Since his retirement from the Texas Army National Guard, BG Patterson has dedicated many hours of volunteer service to our military forces through his involvement in several Texas veterans organizations to include the Greater Dallas Veteran Foundation (GDVF). BG Patterson has served in numerous leadership positions in this important organization including Chairman responsible for the planning and execution of the Veterans Day ceremony and parade in Dallas, Texas. Also, BG Patterson is an active volunteer in the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Ombudsman program continuously working to support our nation’s Reserve Forces and enhance coordination between these military service members and their civilian employers. In November 2010, in recognition of his military service and contribution to assist Veterans, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. presented the Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Texas 26th Congressional District to BG Patterson.
In his civilian career, BG Patterson is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Texas with over 39 years experience working in the water & wastewater utility industry. BG Patterson retired from the position of Assistant Director Water Utilities for the City of Dallas, Texas in July 2002. In that position, he was responsible for providing wastewater service for over 1.5 million people residing in the Dallas metro area. Currently, he serves as the Director of Operations & Water Resources for the Upper Trinity Regional Water District which provides water and wastewater service to approximately 250,000 residents of Denton County, Texas.
BG Patterson is an active member of several utility associations to include the American Waterworks Association, Water Environment Federation, Water Environment Association of Texas, American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Association of Clean water Agencies (NACWA). Additionally, he has served on the NACWA Board of Directors representing EPA Region 6 (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Louisiana) since 2001.
BG Patterson is married to the former Caryn Canuteson and resides in Highland Village, Texas. They have three adult daughters and are blessed with eight wonderful grandchildren who all reside in the Lewisville, Texas area.
Harry V.
Steel, Jr. ’53
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TX Army National Guard Maj. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Maj. Gen. Harry V. Steel, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry.
Maj. Gen. Harry V. Steel, Jr. is retired from his military career and currently resides in San Antonio, TX.
Carl E.
Franklin ’61
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USAF Lt. Gen.
Colleyville, TX
Lieutenant General Carl E. Franklin is commander of 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. His command comprises six wings in the eastern United States with more than 350 aircraft and 36,000 active-duty and civilian personnel. As the air component commander for U.S. Central Command, he is responsible for developing contingency plans and conducting air operations in a 20-nation area of responsibility stretching from Kenya in eastern Africa, southward to the Seychelles Islands and across the Arabian Peninsula and Southwest Asia to Pakistan. He is also responsible for the operational readiness of 30 9th Air Force-gained Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units comprising the Air Reserve component.
The general was commissioned in 1965 as a distinguished graduate of the Texas Tech University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He commanded a fighter test and evaluation squadron and a tactical reconnaissance wing, and was also an air warfare center and a joint task force commander. His staff experience includes two tours at Headquarters U.S. Air Force and a tour at a major NATO Command headquarters, where he was the senior officer directing an international staff with personnel from eight nations. He is a command pilot with more than 3,780 hours in fighter and trainer aircraft.