Charles "Chip" Rock ’86
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Navy   Rear Adm.

Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock '86 is a native of Upstate New York. He was commissioned in 1987 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. Rock holds a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National War College.



His assignments at sea include combat information center officer aboard USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG 27), electrical officer aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), operations officer on USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), executive officer aboard USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), and commanding officer on High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV) 2.



Ashore he has served as command, control and communications plans officer, U.S. European Command; military assistant to the political advisor, U.S. Joint Forces Command; deputy executive assistant and flag secretary to the Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and the Supreme Allied Commander, Transformation; division chief, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5), the Joint Chiefs of Staff; chief of staff, Navy Installations Command; commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan; and as Commandant, Naval District Washington.



Rock took over leadership of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic fleet, which encompasses 14 installations across 20 states, in July 2018. He previously served as the 90th commandant of the Naval District Washington since August 18, 2016.



His awards include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Joint Commendation Medal, five awards of the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two awards of the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal and numerous unit and campaign awards.

Merton D. Van Orden ’43
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Navy   Rear Adm.

Arlington, VA

Dick Van Orden ’43 was a member of Battery D – Coast Artillery while at Texas A&M. During his time at Texas A&M, Dick was involved in the Singing Cadets as well as the Army Student Pilots Training Program. After graduation, Dick served in the U.S. Navy where he retired as a Rear Admiral. In his free time, Dick enjoys being an author, sailing, and history. He and his wife, Nancy, have two children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Robert C. Williams ’76
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Navy   Rear Adm.

Atlanta, GA

Rear Admiral Robert C. Williams is Chief Engineer of the United States Public Health Service and Assistant Surgeon General. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in civil engineering. Williams military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Outstanding Service Medal, three commendation Medals, US PHS Engineer of the Year and the CFEE Federal Environmental Engineer of the Year.

Charles K. Aris ’88
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National Guard   Brig. Gen.

Waxahachie, TX

Colonel Charles "Chuck" Aris, the Assistant Division Commander of Support, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Camp Mabry.



Maj. Gen. James K. "Red" Brown, the Deputy Commanding General — Reserve Component, United States Forces, promoted Aris to his one-star rank with his friends, family members and colleagues present.



During the ceremony, Brown, a former commanding general of the 36th Inf. Div., and Aris' wife of 26 years, Amy, pinned the new general's rank to the shoulders of his uniform. His son Matthew and daughter Kate presented him with a one-star general's flag, a traditional general officer's belt, and a desk placard. As per Texas tradition, Aris then gave bouquets of yellow roses to both his wife and his mother, Janice.



"Aris is one of those officers that we always knew was going to rise to the top," said Brown. "He and his family are the ultimate traditional National Guard family. As a civilian, Chuck is a very distinguished and a very successful attorney, who doesn't have to do this; but he chooses to do so as a service to this great state and this great nation."



Because of his dual military and civilian careers, several military dignitaries and civilian colleagues attended the ceremony, including Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, the Adjutant General of the Texas Military Department, Maj. Gen. Lester Simpson, Commanding General of the 36th Infantry Division Commander, and fellow attorneys from his law firm. Aris, a resident of Waxahachie, Texas, is also a partner with the Dallas-based Byrne, Cardenas and Aris Law Firm, where he handles civil litigation.



"I want to say thank you to every senior leader, every mentor and every person in my life who has supported, trained, and guided me," said Aris. "But I need to say 'thank you' to my family, because without them, their love and their support, I would not be standing where I am today."



Aris will deploy to southern Afghanistan next year as the Commander of the Train, Advise and Assist Command -- South in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.



"Its an honor to be selected for this [promotion and deployment]," said Aris. "I pledge to do my very best to make sure that we excel in this mission and continue the great heritage of the Texas Army National Guard."



His most recent assignments include serving as the acting Assistant Division Commander of Maneuver, division Chief of Staff, and Commander of both the 56th and 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. He served as a task force commander during a 2005 rotation to Kosovo, and deployed to Iraq in 2009 as an assistant chief of staff in operations.



In 1998, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree and commission from the Texas A&M University and was awarded as a Distinguished Military Graduate in the ROTC program. After serving on Active Duty in the Army, in 1993 he joined the Texas Army National Guard. Aris also holds a Master of Science from the Army War College and a Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law.



Aris’ awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (with two service stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.



The mission of the 36th Infantry Division is to provide ready and responsive forces that can deploy to conduct unified land operations in joint and coalition environments, in support of a geographical combatant commander. On order, the division provides defense support to civil authorities within the United States in support of state and federal agencies.

Eddy M. Spurgin ’79
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National Guard   Maj. Gen

Big Spring, TX

General Spurgin began his military service in 1980 after graduation from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course, the Field Artillery Cannon Battery Course, the Reserve Component Tank Commander Course, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College. General Spurgin has commanded Troop B, 1st Squadron 124th Cavalry Regiment; Company C and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 142nd Infantry Regiment; 2nd Battalion 142nd Infantry Regiment; 36th Brigade, 49th Armored Division; 72nd Brigade, 36th Infantry Division; and most recently the 142nd Corps Security Detachment (III Corps ROC).

Ansel M. Stroud, Jr. ’48
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National Guard   Maj. Gen.

Shreveport, LA

Major General (Retired) Ansel M. Stroud, Jr., was born April 5, 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Belcher High School, attended Baylor University and Texas A&M University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York. His military education included the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and The Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

General Stroud enlisted in the Army in April of 1944 and was commissioned a second lieutenant following completion of Officer Candidate School in February 1946. After serving on active duty, he joined the Louisiana National Guard in June of 1947. During his service with the Louisiana National Guard, he served as a Company Commander, Regimental Supply Officer, Aide to the Commanding General of the 39th Infantry Division, and Battalion Commander. In 1968, he was assigned as Chief of Staff for the State Emergency Operations Center, and became Commander of the 356th Support Center (RAO) in 1971. He was appointed to the position of Assistant Adjutant General on May 9, 1972 and in August 1978, was given a dual assignment as Commander of the 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized). General Stroud was assigned as Adjutant General in October 1980. Additionally, he was made Director of the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness in 1989. He retired on November 8, 1997, after 53 ½ years of military service.

Noteworthy of his 17 ½-year tenure as Adjutant General, was the performance of the Louisiana National Guard units during Desert Storm, when 6,400 Army Guardsmen from Louisiana were mobilized, more than from any other state. In 1991, the Guard and the Office of Emergency Preparedness received high praise for their performance after Hurricane Andrew.

The Louisiana National Guard under his leadership was a finalist for nine years in the Army Community of Excellence competition.

General Stroud's military decorations and awards included the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with three Hourglass Devices, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (NG) with two Oak Leaf Clusters. His Louisiana decorations included the Louisiana Distinguished Service Medal with Fleur-de-Lis, the Legion of Merit, the Cross of Merit, the War Cross, the Louisiana Emergency Service Medal with 19 Fleurs-de-Lis, and the Forty-Year Longevity Medal. He received Distinguished Service Awards from the States of Alabama, Arkansas, and Oregon. He was twice awarded the National Guard Bureau Eagle Award and the United States Army Reserve Meritorious Performance Award. In 1997, he was the first recipient of the National Guard Association of the U.S. President's Award.

In 1977, General Stroud was selected to direct a Department of the Army study on full­-time training and administration for the Guard and Reserve. This was known as the “Stroud Study" and was accepted by the Department of the Army as a guideline for requirements of the National Guard and Army Reserve for full-time manning programs. This study was the basis for launching the AGR program.

In addition to his duties as the Adjutant General, General Stroud was active in Scouting. He is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

General Stroud was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 1989 by the United States Marshals Service.

In 1995, General Stroud was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

In 2005, General Stroud was one of the first inductees into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame.

General Stroud was a past President of the Adjutants General Association of the United States, past President of the National Guard Association of the United States, and served on the Council of Trustees of the Association of the United States Army.

General Stroud passed away on July 1, 2016.

Randolph D. Alles ’76
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen.

Honolulu, HI

Major General Alles is presently serving as the Director for Strategic Planning and Policy (J5), U.S. Pacific Command.

He hails from San Antonio, Texas and attended Texas A&M University. He was commissioned during August of 1976 and was designated a Naval Aviator at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas in September of 1978.

In June of 1986, Major General Alles was ordered to instructor duty at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, NAS Miramar, CA serving as the Assistant Maintenance Officer, Staff Standardization Officer, and Training Officer while at “Topgun.”

In August 1997, Major General Alles assumed duties as Executive Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 31. In August 1998, he reported as a student at the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. graduating in June 1999 with a Master’s In National Security and Strategic Studies. From June of 1999 until July 2001 he was assigned as Chief of the Strategy and Policy Division, U.S. Pacific Command.

After Assignment to Third Marine Aircraft Wing in June 2007 as the Assistant Wing Commander, Major General Alles served as the Commanding General for Third Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) during Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2008 until February 2009.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Maj. Gen. Randolph D. Alles currently resides in Honolulu, HI.

Victor A. Barraco ’15
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Marine Corps   BGEN

Sulpher, LA

Victor A. Barraco organized the April 1945 Muster. He had also been Head Yell Leader in 1914-1915.

BGEN Victor A. Barraco resided in Sulpher, LA and passed away in 1990.

Ion M. Bethel ’25
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Marine Corps   Lt. Gen.

Palos Verde Estates, CA

After retiring Lt. Gen. Ion M. Bethel resided in Palos Verde Estates, CA and passed away in 1985.

Durant S. Buchanan ’17
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Marine Corps   Brig. Gen.

Stephenville, TX

Brig. Gen. passed away in 1978.

Adam L. Chalkley ’92
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Marine Corps   Colonel

Austin, AR

Colonel Adam Chalkley was commissioned in May 1993 after graduating from Texas A&M University. He was designated as a Motor Transport Officer after completion of all training and later as a Logistics Officer upon merging of the Military Occupational Specialties. He has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general in 2020.



His operational assignments include: Platoon Commander, Detachment Commander, Assistant Operations Officer, and Company Commander, 7th Motor Transport Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA; Assistant Logistics Officer, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Okinawa, Japan; Aide de Camp, 3D Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM - PHILIPPINES); Assistant Operations Officer, MARCENT Coordination Element and Liaison to Combined Forces Land Component Command (Operation IRAQI FREEDOM); Officer in Charge, MAGTF Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, I MEF (FWD), Al Anbar Province, Iraq (Operation IRAQI FREEDOM); G-4 Current Operations Officer, Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, Helmand Province, Afghanistan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM); Commanding Officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Okinawa, Japan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM); Commanding Officer, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Camp Lejeune, NC; Commanding Officer, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa (Operation NEW NORMAL, Operations in Support of Special Operations Forces, Operations in Support of Coalition Partners); Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 and Chief of Staff, 2D Marine Logistics Group, Camp Lejeune, NC.



His Supporting Establishment assignments include service as Series Commander, Company Executive Officer, and Company Commander, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA and Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station Oklahoma City.



Col. Chalkley completed a joint duty assignment as Chief of Staff and Operations Division Chief (ECJ4-3), Logistics Directorate, US European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.



His professional military education includes the following: The Basic School; US Army Combined Logistics Captains Career Course; US Marine Corps Command and Staff College (MA, Distinguished Graduate, Military Studies); Naval War College (MA with Distinction, National Security and Strategic Studies).

Odell M. Conoley ’35
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Marine Corps   Brig. Gen.

Point Loma, CA

Brigadier General Odell M. "Tex" Conoley, spent almost three decades in the Marine Corps and was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.

In 1935, he graduated from the college with a bachelor's degree in science and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps two months later.

He began his military career as a company officer in the 6th Regiment. He was then transferred to the Far East and served in Shanghai, Tientsin and Peiping, China, until 1940.

He participated in various campaigns in the Pacific during World War II, beginning with Guadalcanal, where he earned the nation's second highest award for valor. He also was awarded the Silver Star at Cape Gloucester for bravery in combat.

He became a battalion commander in the 7th Regiment before he was reassigned to the operations section of the U.S. 6th Army in 1945. Subsequently, he filled the same position in the 8th Army.

In 1947, General Conoley went to Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served for three years as Operations Officer. At that time he was a lieutenant colonel.

He attended the Army War College and later served on the staff of Marine Corps Schools in Quantico, VA. In 1954, he served as commander of his old regiment, the 7th Marines, based in Korea.

In 1961, as a brigadier general, he was transferred from his position as assistant division commander at Camp Lejeune, NC, to fill the post as deputy head of operations at NATO Headquarters in Paris, France. He served there for three years.

General Conoley was awarded the Legion of Merit for his work with NATO in the United Nations Congo airlift and the Cypress crisis in 1963.

He retired in 1964 and returned to the United States, where he grew orchids and played golf. Brig. Gen. Odell M. Conoley passed away in 1993.

Walter T.H. Galliford ’17
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Marine Corps   Brig. Gen.

Brig. Gen. Walter T.H. Galliford served as Intelligence Officer of the Fourth Marine Brigade in the operations of the Brigade on the Champagne and the Argonne-Meuse fronts.

During the important phases of the attack north of the Argonne, November 1 - 11, 1918, when it was imperative that accurate and first hand information be obtained, Brig. Gen. Walter T.H. Galliford voluntarily visited the front line and returned with valuable information which successfully influenced subsequent operations.

The Navy Cross was awarded to Captain Walter T. Galliford, United States Marine Corps, for his exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service.

Brig. Gen. Walter T.H. Galliford passed way on June 12, 1956.

David C. Garza ’77
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen

New Braunfels, TX

David Garza enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969 and served as an Enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1973, he attended Texas A&M University where he graduated in 1977. The following year he was commissioned in the Marine Corps. He currently serves as a United States Marine Corps Major General.

Dimitri Henry ’88
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Marine Corps   Brig. Gen.

Washington, D.C.

Colonel Dimiti Henry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981 and attained the rank of SSgt. After completion of the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection Training (BOOST) he was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1988 and was commissioned a 2ndLt.



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From May 1990 – May 1993, 2ndLt Henry served at 2d Radio Bn and deployed with 8th Marines (DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM), 26th MEU SOC (PROVIDE PROMISE), and was OIC of the II MEF Communications Center. In June 1993, 1stLt Henry attended Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering.



In 1995, Captain Henry was subsequently assigned to the Navy Information Warfare Activity at the National Security Agency. In December 1997 he reported to 15th MEU SOC serving as S2A and then S2. After two MEU SOC deployments Major Henry reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College in August 2000.??From 2001-2004, Major Henry served as the Commanding Officer, Co H, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, San Antonio, TX. After command, Major Henry reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force G2 where he participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Deputy G2 and Intelligence Planner from August 2004-August 2006.



?From August 2006 – September 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Henry commanded 1st Radio Battalion and executed two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After command, he reported to the Naval War College (NWC) Newport, RI. After NWC he was assigned to Intelligence Department, HQMC, promoted to Colonel and took command of Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) Quantico, VA in 2010.??From 2012-2015, Colonel Henry served at United States Central Command, Tampa FL, as the J2 Operations Division Chief. From 2015-2016, Colonel Henry served as the Executive Officer to the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). After DIA, Colonel Henry served as the Chief of Staff, Intelligence Department, HQMC from 2016-2017.



?In 2017, Colonel Henry was selected for Brigadier General. ??Colonel Henry’s personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Homer S. Hill ’40
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen.

Solana Beach, CA

Maj. Gen. Homer S. Hill passed away in 1992.

Bruno A. Hochmuth ’35
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen.

San Francisco, CA

Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth was born on May 10, 1911 in Houston, TX. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education. He was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant in July 1935, upon resigning a U.S. Army Reserve commission.

Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth traveled far and wide while in the Marine Corps. He ventured throughout the United States, China, and Japan.

Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth passed away on November 18, 1967.

Marvin Ted Hopgood ’65
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen.

College Station, TX

Maj. Gen. Ted Hopgood was born on August 6, 1943 in Belleville, IL. He received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from Texas A&M University in 1965, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He also holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia (1976).

After completion of The Basic School at Quantico, Va., in December 1965, he served in Vietnam as Platoon Leader and Company Commander of Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. Completing the Amphibious Warfare School in July 1969, he returned to Vietnam where he commanded Company C, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, and served as Aide-de-Camp to the commanding general of the 3d Marine Division. He continued on to serve as Operations Officer in Okinawa, Executive Officer for 2d Battalion, and Commanding Officer for 3d Recruit Training Battalion.

His awards and decorations include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and gold stars in lieu of a second and third award, and Navy Achievement Medal.

Maj. Gen. Marvin T. Hopgood, Jr. retired as the President, Marine Corps University/Commanding General, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, VA and served as Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University from 1996-2002.

Wood B. Kyle ’36
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen.

Carisbad, CA

Maj. Gen. Wood B. Kyle was born March 3, 1915 in Pecos, TX. In 1932, he entered Texas A & M College, where he was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps unit, and graduated with Military Department honors in June 1936.

He resigned his commission in the U.S. Army Infantry Reserve to accept appointment as a Marine second lieutenant, July 11, 1936.

Maj. Gen. Wood B. Kyle was promoted to major general in March 1966, and that same month reported to Vietnam as Commanding General, 3d Marine Division.

For service in this capacity, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and three personal decorations from the Vietnamese government. Detached in March 1967, he reported to Camp Pendleton, California, the following month, and assumed duty as Commanding General, 5th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, serving in this capacity until he retired from active duty, August 31, 1968. For his service as Commanding General, 5th Marine Division, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

Maj. Gen. Wood B. Kyle retired from active duty on August 31, 1968. He passed away in 2000.

John H. Miller ’46
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Marine Corps   Lt. Gen.

College Station, TX

Lt. Gen. John H. Miller was born April 16, 1925, in San Angelo. In 1942 he entered Texas A&M College but within a year he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in May 1943.

He served in the United States, on Okinawa and Japan, and attained the rank of staff sergeant prior to his release from active duty in April 1946, General Miller received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M College and was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant in June 1949.

Upon completing The Basic School, Quantico, Va., in June 1950, General Miller participated in combat operations in Korea as a company officer, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with gold star in lieu of a second award, and Purple Heart Medal with two gold stars for this service. He was promoted to first lieutenant in June 1951.

Lt. Gen. John H. Miller military awards and decorations include but are not limited to, he Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and gold star in lieu of a second award, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and gold star in lieu of a second award, the Purple Heart Medal with two gold stars in lieu of second and third awards, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Additionally he holds the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars.

Lt. Gen. John H. Miller is retired and currently resides in College Station, TX.

Walter L. Miller, Jr. ’79
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Marine Corps   Brig. Gen.

Brig. Gen. Walter Lee Miller, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 with a Bachelors of Education in Physical Education. He was then commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in Dec 1979 via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

He completed The Basic School (TBS) and Infantry Officer's Course in Oct 1980 and was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines. There he served as commander for both rifle and weapons platoons, as well as the B Company Executive Officer.

One of his assignments was to Plans, Policies, and Operations; Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict; Headquarters Marine Corps from 1991-1994. In March 2003 Brig. Gen. Walter L. Miller, Jr. served overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I. 1 year later in 2004 he was deployed again to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

In the summer of 2006, Brigadier General Miller was then assigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff of US European Command and held that billet until re-assignment to Headquarters, Marine Corps Combat Development Command in the summer of 2008.

He served as Director of the Joint Capabilities Assessment and Integration Directorate, the Marine Corps representative to the Joint Capabilities Board. In June of 2009, he was assigned to his current billet as the Director of Capabilities Development Directorate.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Bronze Star with "V", Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star and the Navy Achievement Medal. Brigadier General Miller has a Masters Degree in Curriculum Design.

Raymond L. Murray ’35
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Marine Corps   Maj. Gen.

Harlingen, TX

Maj. Gen. Raymond L. Murray, following graduation from Texas A&M University in 1935, accepted his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

He retired from active duty after 33 years of active service, a well-respected Marine who was a role model to many young officers.

His military decorations and awards include two Navy Crosses, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, four Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits, and the Purple Heart.

Maj. Gen. Raymond L. Murray passed away in 2004.

Ormond R. Simpson ’36
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Marine Corps   Lt. Gen.

Bryan, TX

Lt. Gen. Ormond R. Simpson received a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1936 and was commissioned in the U.S. Marines.

He served for 37 years, serving in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, while working his way up to the rank of Lieutenant General before retiring from active duty in 1973.

In 1974, he became the Assistant Vice President for Student Services at Texas A&M University.

Lt. Gen. Ormond R. Simpson passed away in 1998.

Eric M. Smith ’87
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Marine Corps   Gen.

Quantico, VA

Lieutenant General Smith is from Plano, Texas and entered the Marine Corps in 1987 through the NROTC program at Texas A&M University. After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer's Course, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines; participating in Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Following a tour as an Officer Selection Officer, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School and then reported to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines for duty as Commanding Officer of Weapons and Echo Companies. During this tour he participated in Operation Assured Response in Monrovia, Liberia.



After a tour as a Marine Officer Instructor at Texas A&M University, he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff Course. His next assignment was as the Naval Section Chief at the U.S. Military Group in Caracas, Venezuela from 2001-2003.



From 2003 until 2006, he served in the 1st Marine Division as the Division Current Operations Officer; Executive Officer of Regimental Combat Team 1; Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines; and Assistant Chief of Staff G3. During this period he completed two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Subsequent assignments were as a student at the Marine Corps War College, Senior Aide to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Director of the Fires and Maneuver Integration Division at the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.



From 2009 until 2012 he served in the 2nd Marine Division as the Assistant Chief of Staff G3 and Commanding Officer of 8th Marine Regiment; completing a one-year deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.



In June of 2012 he reported for duty as the Director of Capability Development Directorate, and in May of 2013 he was assigned as the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.



From July through November of 2015 he commanded Marine Corps Forces Southern Command in Miami, Florida, and was then transferred to the Pentagon to serve as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.



From February 2017 until June 2017, he served as the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations. From June 2017 until July 2018, he served as the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. From August 2018 until June 2019, he served as the Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force.



On 13 June 2019, he assumed responsibility as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.



On 15 July 2021, Lt. Gen. Smith was nominated for appointment to the rank of general, and assignment as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

John T. Walker ’17
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Marine Corps   Lt. Gen.

John Walker, who was Commandant of the San Diego Marine Recruit Depot at the time of his retirement, held the Navy Cross for gallantry in leading the 22d Regiment in the assault of Eniwetok in World War II.

He was a native of Texas and entered the Marines in 1917 from Texas A&M College.

Lt. Gen. John T. Walker passed away in February 22, 1955.

Joseph F. Weber ’72
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Marine Corps   Lt. Gen.

College Station, TX

Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Zoology.

He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1972. He completed a tour on the staff of the United States Naval Academy where he taught leadership and speech, administered and supervised midshipman performance and conduct programs, and served as the Officer Representative to the U.S. Naval Academy football team.

He served as Vice President Student Affairs at Texas A&M and prior to returning to A&M, General Weber’s final active duty Marine Corps assignment was as Commander, Marine Forces Command, Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Commanding General Marine Bases Atlantic.

His decorations and awards range from the National Defense Service Medal to the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for service in peace and war - numerous community service/civilian awards and presentations.

Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber is retired and currently resides in College Station, TX.

William D. DeHaes '86
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Iowa Air National Guard   B

West Des Moines, IA

Brigadier General William D. DeHaes is Deputy Adjutant General - Air, Iowa National Guard. He is responsible to The Adjutant General for directing Air National Guard operations and establishing policy to ensure mission readiness of over 1,800 personnel that serve our nation, state and communities for both homeland defense and federal missions.



General DeHaes entered the United States Air Force in 1988 and was commissioned in 1989 at Officer’s Training School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He has served as Commander, 132nd Operations Group, and 132nd Fighter Wing, both located at the Des Moines Air National Guard Base, Des Moines, Iowa. He also served as Deputy Commander, 332nd Operations Group, Balad Air Base, Iraq.



General DeHaes is a Command Pilot with over 3,500 flying hours in the T-37B, T-38A, AT-38B, F-16C/D, F-16CG/DG and has flown operational missions in support of Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Noble Eagle, Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom

Kenneth D. Jones ’80
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Army Reserve   Maj. Gen.

Iola, Texas

Major General Kenneth D. Jones was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Ordnance Corps, through the ROTC program at Texas A&M University in Dec 1980. He is a graduate of numerous military courses that include the Ordnance Basic and Advanced courses, Transportation Advanced, Small Group Instructor, Command and General Staff College, Advanced Joint Professional Military Education, and the United States Army War College.

Maj Gen Jones currently serves as commander of 50,000 in the 81st Readiness Division. Jones will be leading and guiding a legion of soldiers under countless occupational specialties that could be independently deployed or attached to a wide variety of units both Reserve and full-time active duty. His previous leadership and command duties include Commanding General, 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) located in San Antonio, Texas; HHD Detachment Commander, 821st Trans BN (MT); Battalion Commander, 11th BN (CGSC); Brigade Commander, 2nd Brigade (BCT)/95th Division; Brigade Commander 800th LSB/ 80th Training Command; Chief of Staff 143rd TRANSCOM (Kuwait); Deputy Commander, 103rd ESC (Des Moines, IA and Iraq.

His staff assignments include Maintenance Officer and Adjutant, 782nd Maintenance BN, Executive Officer and S-4, 821st Transportation BN, Operations Officer 6th Brigade, 95th Division; Director Enlisted Courses and Training Officer, 5047th USAR School; Senior Operations Officer, 6th Brigade, 95th Division.

Maj Gen Jones is a Level 3 Joint Qualified Officer and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and Master of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College. He served three overseas tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with units earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2005 and 2011. His individual awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (5OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Combat Action Badge and Senior Parachutist Badge.

In his civilian career, BG Jones is retired from Hallmark Cards Inc., Topeka, Kansas where he served as the Plant Engineering Manager for 28 years. He currently resides in Iola, Texas and is married to Cheryl Jones. His family includes his Son-in-Law and daughter, Gavin and Amanda Englund, and daughter Allison and he is a proud grandfather.

Henry J. Ostermann ’72
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Army Reserve   Brig. Gen.

Spring, TX

Brig. Gen. Henry J. Ostermann was the Deputy Commanding General of the 90th Regional Readiness Command.

He received his commission in the Infantry branch upon his graduation from Texas A&M and has served more than 31 years.

During his military career, General Ostermann served in a wide range of staff and command positions. His previous duty assignments include Commander, 1st Training Support Battalion, 289th Regiment, 75th Division (Training Support), Houston, Texas; Regimental Brigade Observer/Controller, 1st Brigade, Battle Projection Group (BCST), 75th; Commander, 5th Brigade (Health Services), 95th Division (Institutional Training), San Antonio, Texas; and Deputy Commander, 90th Regional Readiness Command, Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2010, he was appointed by the Chief, Army Reserve as a United States Army Reserve Ambassador.

His awards and decorations include two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Army Commendation Medal, and two awards of the Army Achievement medal.

Brig. Gen. Henry J. Ostermann is retired and currently resides in Spring, TX.

John E. Simek ’65
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Army Reserve   Maj. Gen.

Bryan, TX

Maj. Gen. John E. Simek graduated from Texas A&M University in 1965 with a Masters in Nuclear Engineering.

Maj. Gen. John E. Simek is retired from the military and currently resides in Bryan, TX.