Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston –
Commander Col. Jeffrey Johnson was promoted to the rank of
brigadier general June 21 during a ceremony at the Warrior and Family Support
Center Amphitheater at Fort Sam Houston.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Caravalho Jr., Joint Staff Surgeon at the
Pentagon and former BAMC commander, was the presiding officer for the ceremony.
“It’s a great day for the Johnsons and a great day for Army
Medicine,” Caravalho said.
“I’m here purposely to talk about a great American and
someone reminded me I should also talk about her spouse, Jeff Johnson,” he
joked. “Not only do I think the world of Jeff and Paula, but I love the men and
women who have dedicated themselves to the military medical missions here in
San Antonio.”
Caravalho highlighted many of Johnson’s past military
assignments, saying he first met Johnson at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort
Bragg, N.C., in 2003.
“He was a calm, collected lieutenant colonel at the time,
responsible for one of the busiest family medicine programs in the Army
inventory,” Caravalho said. “I was impressed then, and I have remained
impressed ever since.”
Caravalho also praised Johnson’s wife, Paula, saying, “She
is an incredible individual with a heart of gold and an unbridled passion for
our Soldiers and families.”
Johnson’s family including his wife, his parents Dorothy and
Jack Johnson, sister Joy Myers, along with his daughter Elizabeth Smart and her
children all took part in the pinning ceremony and presentation of general
officer items.
The ceremony also included special touches such as the
delivery of gifts to Johnson’s family by Sgt. Robyn Rothwell and her horse
Junior. The inclusion of the horse in the ceremony and the period costume worn
by Rothwell provided a link to Army’s past.
“I first want to thank my God for the undeserving blessings
He brings to my life,” Johnson said. “My relationship with Him provides me with
focus and wisdom through His word, humbling of my spirit through worship and
the ability to strengthen others through His reflected presence.”
Johnson thanked several people who helped guide him
throughout his career.
“Year after year I was exposed to just the right mix of
leaders who added to the mold and for this I am forever thankful,” Johnson
said.
He thanked his wife for always standing by his side and his
parents and sister and brother-in-law for their steadfast support.
“There is no one who has added more color to my life than
you and your family,” Johnson told his daughter Elizabeth. “You provide me with
insight to another side of the military and to the human side of life.”
Johnson also thanked Caravalho for presiding over the
ceremony saying, “You have been a consistent example of the balance needed to
weigh clinical judgment with operational impact all the while demonstrating
compassion.”