Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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Col. Scott Campbell is promoted to the rank of brigadier general with the help of his wife, Linda, and Kentucky's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini during a pinning ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013. The native of Marion, Ky., has served the Kentucky Guard for 34 years, including three overseas deployments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Col. Scott Campbell became the newest general in the Kentucky National Guard during a promotion ceremony at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013.
A large gathering of Soldiers, Airmen, family, friends and associates of Campbell gathered together to watch the pinning of the stars to the 32-year-veteran's uniform.
Lt. Col. John Truefeldt, who served under Campbell as part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Iraq in 2011, said Kentucky couldn't get a better general.
"General Campbell is an outstanding officer and an all-around wonderful person," he said. "He's done great in all command positions he's had so far, and he will excel as our newest general officer."
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Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell hugs his wife Linda following his promotion during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky. Campbell was joined at the ceremony by his mother and numerous family members making the trip from Crittenden County, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Kentucky's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini presided over the ceremony and assisted Campbell's wife Linda in placing the stars on the new general's shoulders.
Tonini said the native of Marion, Ky., has earned the respect of the Kentucky National Guard though his years of service, which he called a godsend.
"I know that our organization, and most important, the men and women of the Kentucky National Guard are in good hands with his wisdom and guidance," said Tonini.
Campbell enlisted in the Kentucky Guard in 1981, commissioning as an officer in 1st Battalion, 123rd Armor in 1984. He has commanded at the company, battalion and brigade level and served in senior staff officer positions within the 149
th Brigade and at the state headquarters level. He has three overseas deployments, including to Bosnia and two to Iraq.
It was the second tour in Iraq, in which Campbell commanded the 149th MEB, overseeing a large portion of the transition of U.S. bases in the country to Iraqi hands. He said that deployment has helped define his career in uniform.
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Col. Michael Abell presents a general's flag to newly promoted Brig. Gen. Scott Campbell during a ceremony in Frankfort, Ky., June 14, 2013. Each military general is authorized a flag with stars of their rank, which is why they are referred to as flag officers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Campbell thanked many Soldiers for their influence and leadership guidance in his career. From former platoon sergeants to current generals, he said he has tried to include many aspects of their quality leadership into his roles.
He also thanked his family and friends in attendance, especially his mother who "started it all" by dropping him off at the bus station in Marion, Ky., as he shipped off to boot camp.
"I couldn't imagine 32 years ago, I couldn't ever envision this day," he said. "It has been a life changing experience. And in hindsight, I would still get on that bus."
"I look forward to the challenge of assisting Major General Tonini with making this great organization even better," said Campbell. "I only hope I can give back as much as this organization has given me."