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Army general’s frocking ceremony reflects strength of family, commitment

Published Oct. 30, 2014
(Then) Col. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Pacific Ocean Division, is pinned with his first star at a frocking ceremony, Oct. 30, by Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick, USACE commander and 53rd Chief of Engineers, and his wife, Debbie, at USACE headquarters. The Army Corps’ newest brigadier general is responsible for executing the USACE mission throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

(Then) Col. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Pacific Ocean Division, is pinned with his first star at a frocking ceremony, Oct. 30, by Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick, USACE commander and 53rd Chief of Engineers, and his wife, Debbie, at USACE headquarters. The Army Corps’ newest brigadier general is responsible for executing the USACE mission throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USACE-POD Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — A frocking ceremony was held Oct. 30 in honor of then-Colonel Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division at the USACE headquarters in Washington, D.C. marking his transition to Brigadier General.

Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick, commander, USACE and 53rd Chief of Engineers, presided over the ceremony.

Milhorn’s wife, Debbie, and children joined Bostick in pinning the one-star insignia on his uniform amidst applause from family, friends, and colleagues. Besides his three children and wife, Milhorn’s parents, Larry and Phillis Milhorn, and other family members had traveled to D.C. from Hawaii, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee to attend the special event.

“The Army recruits a Soldier, commissions an officer, but we retain families,” said Bostick, as he recognized Milhorn’s family.

Bostick acknowledged the significance of the promotion to brigadier general and what it represents to the Army.

“Out of 2,394 colonels considered for promotion to brigadier general, only 42 were selected. That’s a selection rate of just 1.75 percent,” said Bostick. “Approval of this frocking demonstrates the great value that the Army and Department of Defense places in having a leader wearing a star in command of POD."

“Today the Army talks about the need to develop officers with a broad range of experiences and Jeff is the definition of what broadening means," said Bostick.

The Chief of Engineers went on to highlight several of Milhorn’s achievements over the years marked by a clear pattern of excellence and described Milhorn as: “capable”, “trusted”, “courageous”, “strategic”, “dedicated”, “engaged” , “family-man”, and … “not –a-golfer, but a Surfer.”

Milhorn and his father, Larry, proudly wear the same combat patch of the 173rd Airborne. He considers his parents to be among his greatest role models.

Milhorn was quick to express his gratitude to his wife and children, and for the many people who made a positive difference in his life.

I am so grateful for all their (family’s) love and support and the numerous sacrifices that my family have made on my behalf,” said Milhorn. “Not to mention all of the Soldiers, NCOs, Officers and Department of Army civilians who have shaped me into the person I am today,” he added. “To all of them, I attribute my success!”

The USACE newest brigadier general is no stranger to Hawaii, having served two previous command tours at Schofield Barracks with the 25th Infantry Division and the 8th Theater Support Command.

Milhorn took command of POD, the Army Corps’ division serving the Asia-Pacific region, July 18. The division employs 1,600 military, Department of Army, host-nation civilian engineers, technicians and other professionals in the annual execution of a $3.2 billion program.

The mission includes engineering design, construction and real estate management for the Army in Hawaii, the Army and Air Force in Alaska, and for all Department of Defense agencies in Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The Chief of Engineers expressed great confidence in Milhorn’s ability to carry out that mission.

“Jeff, with this promotion, the Army expects continued great things from you.” said Bostick. “I know that you will deliver!”


Release no. 14-053