The commanding general of the United States Army Operational Test Command, Col. Scott Spellmon, pinned on the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony at West Fort Hood Friday.

Spellmon, an engineer officer, took command of OTC in June 2013, after serving as the U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Engineers executive director in Washington, D.C.

Maj. Gen. Bryan Watson, Joint Staff vice director, hosted the ceremony emphasizing the importance of Family in an officer’s career.

He asked Spellmon’s wife and children to stand for applause, saying, “That’s why we serve, and that’s who allows us to serve.”

Supportive Families make it possible for leaders and Soldiers to accomplish their mission at hand, the general added.

“It takes a Family to make a true warrior,” Watson said, “so thank you for what you do.”

Spellmon also acknowledged his Family’s role in the achievements he made.

“I want to thank my Family who has allowed me to pursue this career and profession, which I absolutely love,” Spellmon said. “I can’t say thank you enough to my wife, Sharise.”

They married immediately after college, Spellmon recalled. She has accompanied him through the entire journey of his career.

His leadership and command experience began when he was commissioned after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1986, with a Bachelor’s of Science.

“In our world, patches matter,” Watson said. “They define our past and they become part of our DNA as we grow within the Army. Scott has worn a number of patches.”

During his remarks, Watson reviewed some of Spellmon’s military achievements.

“He commanded the 317th Engineer Battalion that in our regiment is known as the ‘Honor Battalion,’” Watson said. “He has also earned his spurs in another part of our profession by cultivating young leaders in an ROTC program at the University of Illinois, developing their doctrine at the engineer school.”

Spellmon continued his progression throughout a diverse career as an Army officer and leader.

“But it was in 2008 that Scott donned a completely different patch,” Watson said. “It was a new patch for the Army, the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

“He became the commander and deployed that outfit to Afghanistan,” Watson said. “There he demonstrated extraordinary skill leading Soldiers in combat, building a coherent team among diverse nations and mission partners, providing discipline of thought in a time of absolute complexity and he was leading from the front.”

Spellmon’s achievements advanced him to his current rank and duty position, Watson said.

“That’s what brings us down this road to this milestone. But the promotion to a flag officer is not a milestone, a goal or an objective … it is the pinnacle of privileges, which is why you pin on the rank of brigadier general,” Watson said, adding that Spellmon is trusted among his teammates and those he leads, calling him a quality leader of character and experience.