Vice commander pins on star

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. David Harris joined the elite rank of general officer in a ceremony at the Beachview Club Aug. 19.

Harris, the vice commander of the Air Armament Center, pinned on the rank of brigadier general in that ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. CR Davis, AAC commander and Program Executive Officer for Weapons. It was Davis' final official duty prior to his change of command that afternoon.

Davis explained the general officer selection process to those in attendance. He said it's a mystery and a challenge to get "good people like Dave where they need to be." The general also said Harris' promotions ahead of his peers and in residence service schools put him in the position for his new rank.

"I could not stress any more what a big deal this is," Davis said. "It's not about what he's done in the past, that just gets you to the starting line. It's about what the Air Force needs in the future. You demonstrated the potential that got you to this point."

Harris joked that all the praise made him feel "like Tom Sawyer at his own funeral." He choked up several times as he talked about his family, friends and fellow classmates from Test Pilot School in the audience. He had special words for them.

"It humbles me, I'm so happy and blessed to have all of you supporting me," Harris said. "It's not about me; it is the recognition of years and years of careful preparation and people looking out to help me along all through my childhood, college years and professional life."

Harris' wife, Valene, and his four daughters made the promotion official by pinning the one star on his uniform. He said his girls are the secret to his success.

Harris arrived at the center in June 2010. He was commissioned in 1986 after completing Brigham Young University's Air Force ROTC program as a distinguished graduate. He is a master navigator with more than 2,000 flying hours. He also served as commander of the 46th Test Group at Holloman AFB, N.M.