FORT HOOD, Texas — Cannon fire at Fort Hood signaled the pinning of a second star on the chest of Brigadier General Christopher Beck, promoting him to the rank of Major General.
”It’s very humbling,” said Beck, III Corps Deputy Commanding General of Maneuver. “I honestly never thought I would make it this far in my career, but it’s been great. The things I've learned and the people I've been able to work with over my career. It’s very humbling.”
His promotion is something his peers say was a long time coming.
”He’s been working at the 2-star level for years,” said MG John Richardson, Commanding General of 1st Cavalry Division. “So, it’s good to see that he is actually having the opportunity to pin on the second star and take on that responsibility.”
Beck is the III Corps Deputy Commanding General of Maneuver in charge of making sure that the 3rd Armored Corps is ready to answer the call to defend the nation.
”So, for example, I just got back from the National Training Center a couple of days ago where I had the opportunity to work with one of the brigades from the 1st Infantry Division,” Beck said. “It just gives me a great opportunity to learn more about the Corps and make sure we are giving combat ready lethal units to support operational requirements like what we are doing right now in Europe.”
Now he is doing so with the authority of a 2-star general.
”It’s an opportunity to use your stars for good,” Richardson said. “That’s the way that I think all the generals that I know really approach their job. Bring me problems so that I can use this rank and this authority for good and that is exactly how I think Chris Beck will approach his job.”
With that in mind, Beck has a message for those under his command.
”There’s always something to learn from all the different people you work with,” Beck said. “You will learn something every day and don't ever stop learning. You’re not an expert on what you do. You have to learn from this around you and it’s really a pleasure to lead different people because of the learning that I do.”
Beck knows the awesome responsibility the comes with being a Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, the Army’s largest armored corps.
