349th commander promoted to brigadier general

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Col. John C. Flournoy Jr., 349th Air Mobility Wing commander, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony here March 3.

Maj. Gen. Mark Kyle, 4th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony.

"I met Jay in 1991 - 21 years ago," General Kyle said. "He's a rock star. He's got a breadth of experience that few in our command can match. I'm proud and fortunate enough to have 15 different wings under my watch. Because of, now, General Flournoy, this wing is not one I worry very much about."

General Flournoy's family, including his father, retired Col. John C. Flournoy, were present to pin on his new rank. General Flournoy said he credits his family, as well as various relationships and opportunities, for his successes in life.

"It's because of the family that this is happening. It's because of relationships. It's because of experiences. It's because of mentors. It's because of opportunities that I'm able to stand here today," he said. "

"I see Reservists every day who continue to amaze me because they are taking advantage of opportunities," he continued. "I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity so that I can serve in any capacity."

General Flournoy was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1986 from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Ill. He is a command pilot with more than 3,580 flying hours in T-37, T-38, B-52G/H, UH-1, HH-60G, C-130H, C-40C and KC-10 aircraft. His past assignments include numerous operations and staff positions at Headquarters Air Force and the unit level, including commander of the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group commander in 2004.