Soldiers, friends, and Family gathered to witness U.S. Army Operational Test Command Commander Col. John C. Ulrich be promoted to brigadier general on West Fort Hood Friday.

Ulrich’s son Ethan, 15, daughter Chelsea, 16, and wife Michele, all from Haymarket, Virginia, his mother Colleen, from Glendive, Montana, and mother-in-law Sheila Lamell from Essex Junction, Vermont, each took turns pinning stars on his shoulders, beret, and uniform jacket.

The general officer pistol belt was presented by Ulric’s father-in-law Ron Lamell, also from Essex Junction, Vermont.

The promotion culminated with his father Clarence Ulrich, also from Glendive, Montana, presenting Ulrich with the standard Army-issue 9mm Beretta pistol.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Williamson, who completed more than 34 years of service culminating as the military deputy/director, Army Acquisition Corps, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), Washington, D.C., hosted the ceremony.

“This is a really big deal today, but it’s hot,” Williamson said of the 101 degree temperature.

“The unique thing about the Army is that we promote people based on potential,” he said. “What you did in your past is interesting, but the reason you’re being promoted – and it doesn’t matter if you are being promoted to specialist, to master sergeant, to captain or general officer – you are being promoted for the things that you are going to do for Soldiers, the Army and the nation in the future.

“Having served with John a couple of times,” he continued, “I’m very excited about what he’s going to do for our Army. I plan on spending the next five or six years watching you continue to serve our Soldiers.”

After OTC Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Schmidt uncased the Army’s newest one-star general officer flag, Ulrich re-affirmed his oath as an officer and Soldier.

Next, 1st Lt. Caleb Varacalli, platoon leader of the salute battery from Alpha Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, presented Ulrich with the ceremonial “first round fired” from his first “ruffles and flourishes” canon salute as a general officer.

To loud cheers, Ulrich stepped to the podium and thanked everyone for attending, especially those who traveled far to attend.

Pausing, Ulrich dedicated time to remember Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker, who was the third OTC commander from August 1971 thru January 1973.

Shoemaker planned to attend the promotion ceremony, but sadly passed at 11:55 p.m. two evenings earlier at Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights.

“He was a dynamic leader across our Army and Central Texas,” Ulrich said. “His life was spent in selfless service to his nation and his community.”