Significant Military Promotion for Mississippi’s Andrew Rendon to Brigadier General
In remarkable advancement of his military career, Mississippi State alumnus Andrew Rendon has been promoted from Colonel to Brigadier General in the Mississippi National Guard. The promotion ceremony transpired in Wingo Auditorium of the university’s Old Main Academic Center and was officiated by MSU alumnus Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the Adjutant General of Mississippi.
The achievement of Rendon, the current executive director for Veterans and Military Affairs at Mississippi State, holds significant weight in the military realm, given that less than half of a percent of Army officers reach the rank of a general officer.
Rendon’s Humble Acknowledgement
Embodying humility and gratitude in the light of his ascension, the first thing General Rendon did after his promotion was to honor his family. He presented his wife, Hillary, and daughter, Sarah, with flowers, appreciating their unwavering support alongside the two institutions that have provided him with significant backing – the Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Mississippi National Guard.
“Not once have those institutions left me alone. Not once have they let me down. Not once have those institutions not cared for me,” he said. He emphasized the paramount role that these institutions played in his career, stating, “In every instance, as I asked for help support or assistance, they have been there for me.”
MSU President Commends Rendon’s Leadership
The importance of Rendon’s accomplishments were highlighted by MSU President Mark E. Keenum, who commended his robust leadership in the armed forces, service to the military students and service to the nation. His commitment – namely to values of integrity, strong work ethic, and respect for others – places him as a fundamental figure for what the University stands for, the President concluded.
Distinguished Military Career
Having served nearly 30 years in the military Rendon spent nine years on active duty with assignments in both Germany and Alabama before joining the Mississippi National Guard in 2004. His journey through various roles within military aviation spans from being a logistics officer and a platoon leader, to his current assignments as the 66th Troop Command’s commander and the MSNG director of Joint Staff.
His academic proficiency matches his distinguished military career, with Rendon possessing both a Ph.D. and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from MSU. He is also an alumnus of the University of Mississippi, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.
The accolades don’t end there. Rendon’s military awards and decorations include 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. This military promotion adds to his long list of accomplishments, demonstrating the weight of his contributions to the armed forces, his country, and his beloved MSU.
