Mississippi State Military Affairs Director Promoted to Brigadier General

Mississippi State’s Andrew Rendon Promoted to Brigadier General

Andrew Rendon, a Mississippi State alumnus and the University’s Executive Director for Veterans and Military Affairs, saw his rank go up from colonel to brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard on Thursday afternoon.

Attaining the rank of a general officer in the Army is an accomplishment that less than one-half of 1% of officers manage to achieve.

Expressing Gratitude

Upon being promoted, Gen. Rendon’s first action was to thank the three institutions he attributes his success to: Mississippi State University (MSU), the Mississippi National Guard, and his family. He presented his wife Hilary and his daughter Sarah with flowers, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering support.

“Not once have those institutions left me alone. Not once have they let me down. Not once have those institutions not cared for me,” Rendon said. “In every instance, as I asked for help support or assistance, they have been there for me.”

Salute from MSU President

MSU President Mark E. Keenum felicitated Rendon for his unfaltering leadership in supporting the armed forces, military students, and his country. He highlighted Rendon’s consistent demonstration of the university’s core values of integrity, work ethic, and respect for others.

“Gen. Rendon embodies all of these values, and he lives them every single day. So, it’s an honor to recognize him and his achievements this afternoon as he begins this new chapter of service to our state and our nation,” Keenum said.

Celebrating the Promotion

The ceremony for the promotion of the Guard’s commander of the 66th Troop Command took place in the Wingo Auditorium of the university’s Old Main Academic Center. The event was presided over by MSU alumnus Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the Adjutant General of Mississippi.

Gen. Rendon’s Prolific Career

Rendon began his military career close to three decades ago as an Army Aviator. After taking on active duty for nine years, with assignments in Germany and Alabama, Rendon joined the Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) in 2004. In MSNG, Rendon served in various aviation roles, from a logistics officer and platoon leader to his current role as a troop commander and Director of Joint Staff for MSNG.

Rendon, an alumnus of both the University of Mississippi and the U.S. Army War College, holds a Ph.D., a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from MSU, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree. His illustrious military career has seen him being awarded the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, and numerous other federal and state awards.