FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The commander of Army North’s Task Force 51, Brian C.
Harris, was promoted to major general Sept. 18 in the Quadrangle in front of
more than 100 service members, friends and family.
Harris was hand-picked to command Task Force 51 by Lt. Gen.
Perry L. Wiggins, U.S. Army
North (Fifth Army) commanding general and senior Army commander of Fort Sam
Houston and Camp Bullis. Wiggins said that he kept an eye on Harris throughout
his career and when he became available, there was no easier decision than
choosing Harris for the position.
Harris thanked his wife, Wanda, and his children, saying
that this is really their promotion.
“The one thing that has not changed in our Army is
leadership, friendship and family,” Harris said. “I have to thank my family, as
I think what they have been through and I am very proud of my kids and the
support they have to the Army. I am very grateful as a father.”
Harris was commissioned in the Army National Guard as an
infantry officer in 1984. He served in multiple infantry and armor officer
assignments in various company, battalion and brigade level positions.
“In order to be a great infantry officer, you have to learn
to love your Soldiers,” Harris said. “It is about unconditional love of taking
care of your Soldiers because it is about their ability to support you that was
most important and about leading from the front.”
Task Force 51 is a rapidly deployable command post with the
responsibility to support federal agencies when conducting Defense Support of
Civil Authorities.