Contact: Mary Pollitz
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擮n Thursday afternoon [July 25], Mississippi State alumnus Andrew Rendon, the university鈥檚 executive director for Veterans and Military Affairs, was promoted from colonel to brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard. Less than one-half of 1% of officers in the Army achieve the rank of a general officer.
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The first action Gen. Rendon took after his promotion was to present his daughter Sarah and wife Hilary with flowers while thanking the three institutions he credited with his success鈥91传媒, the Mississippi National Guard and his family.
鈥淣ot once have those institutions left me alone. Not once have they let me down. Not once have those institutions not cared for me,鈥 he said. 鈥淚n every instance, as I asked for help support or assistance, they have been there for me.鈥
91传媒 President Mark E. Keenum commended Rendon with his leadership supporting the armed forces, military students and his country. Rendon鈥檚 service and commitment to others鈥攁long with Bulldogs, cowbells and Edam cheese鈥攊s what the university is known for, Keenum added.
鈥淲e鈥檙e also known for our values. Our core values that define who we are at 91传媒: integrity, strong work ethic and respect for others,鈥 Keenum said. 鈥淕en. Rendon embodies all of these values, and he lives them every single day. So, it鈥檚 an honor to recognize him and his achievements this afternoon as he begins this new chapter of service to our state and our nation.鈥
The promotion ceremony for the Guard鈥檚 commander of the 66th Troop Command took place in Wingo Auditorium of the university鈥檚 Old Main Academic Center. The event was officiated by 91传媒 alumnus Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi.
Rendon began his military career nearly 30 years ago as an Army Aviator. After spending nine years on active duty, with assignments in Germany and Alabama, Rendon joined the MSNG in 2004 serving in various aviation roles throughout the state, from logistics officer and platoon leader to his current role as troop commander and MSNG director of Joint Staff.听
Rendon holds both a Ph.D. and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from 91传媒. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.
His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, and numerous other federal and state awards.
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