Col. Peter L. Jones, 3rd Infantry Division deputy commanding general-support, was promoted to brigadier general Friday afternoon in a formal ceremony held at Fort Stewart’s Marne Garden.
According to information provided for the promotion ceremony, Jones is a 1985 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He has completed numerous commands from company to brigade level, including commander of the 3rd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning. He holds advanced degrees from Georgetown University, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and National Defense University.
Jones has served two tours in Iraq and completed overseas assignments in Germany and Kosovo. His most recent assignment was as executive officer to the Secretary of the Army.
“(Being promoted to brigadier general) is mostly about character and potential,” said Maj. Gen. Mike Murray, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield. “I’m going to go out on a limb here, but I’m expecting another invitation in a few years from (Brig. Gen.) Pete and Stephanie (Jones) about another promotion.”
Murray thanked special guests for attending the ceremony, including three other brigadier generals, 3rd ID brigade commanders, Pembroke Mayor Mary Warnell and Bill Cathcart, civilian aid to the Secretary of the Army. He said Jones’ commitment to the Army and his soldiers is why he is now the newest general officer in the Army.
The promotion ceremony itself consisted of a series of special “mini-ceremonies,” the first of which was the reading of his promotion orders. Next, Jones’ wife, Stephanie, and Murray pinned on Jones’ star. Jones’ youngest son Thayer, 10, presented him with his general officer’s pistol belt and beret, and his oldest son, Lincoln, 14, presented him with his 9mm pistol.
Retired Sgt. Maj. James M. Pearson, who served as Jones’ command sergeant major when he was commander of the 3rd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID at Fort Benning, uncased the general officer flag that had belonged to Jones’ father, the late Maj. Gen. Lincoln Jones. Following a barrage of cannon fire recognizing Jones’ promotion, the artillery noncommissioned officer presented a shell casing to Jones.
The new brigadier general thanked guests for coming and named each member of his family, including his wife and sons; his mom, Ann Jones; his sister, Col. Patricia Frost; and members of his wife’s family. He told his mom he was sure his father was looking down on him at that time. He thanked members of his West Point class for attending his promotion ceremony then laughed as he said he thanked God they didn’t have YouTube in the 1980s, or he might not be where he is today.
During a reception at Club Stewart, Jones told media that he has been at Fort Stewart since September. He compared Stewart to Benning and said he is pleased that the community on and off post is so friendly and supportive.
He said his main role as deputy commanding general-support will be to help the Marne Division through its refitting, retiring some of its older Abram Tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles and getting new ones online. Jones also commented on his family’s military heritage, saying it was something he is very proud of.
Jones’ wife said she is not from a military family, though she “married into the Army” and her sister “married into the Navy.” She said she’s just proud of her husband and all he has accomplished in his career.