FORT KNOX, Ky. –
U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s deputy commander received his first star during a promotion ceremony at the Sadowski Center here today.
Brig. Gen. Patrick Michaelis, who joined the USAREC command team in June, was promoted by Gen. Paul E. Funk, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
“I owe this day to my Soldiers, teammates, and mentors, who, at every junction of my career, have shared some part in shaping me into the Soldier standing before you right now.” said Michaelis, who commanded the 2nd Recruiting Brigade from 2015 to 2017.
Funk noted several accomplishments that led to Michaelis’ selection as a general officer during the ceremony. Funk said he was promoted for his extraordinary record of service as well as his ability to lead Soldiers and solve problems.
“Our whole profession is based on the concept of increased trust. When I look at Patrick’s career, it is personal for me,” Funk said. “Patrick and I have grown up together in our Army. We have fought, bled, laughed, and wept together… Simply put, I do not go to war without Pat. He has my total trust and confidence. I would not be here if it weren’t for Pat.”
As the USAREC deputy commanding general, Michaelis assists the commanding general in the training, maintenance and sustainment of more than 14,000 Soldiers and civilians in support of the Army and U.S. Army Reserve recruiting mission in the United States and around the world.
“We cannot be passive. We must be active in educating our nation of the opportunity and role this Army plays in the character and resolve of our nation,” Michaelis said. “We cannot sit idle - we, the generals, must actively demonstrate through our connection to communities the role our Army has in creating a better tomorrow.”
Prior to joining the USAREC command team, Michaelis served as the commander of Mission Command Element, Operation Atlantic Resolve in Poland. This is his fourth assignment at Fort Knox.
“Patrick has an extraordinary record of service – leading our soldiers – and solving the most difficult problems,” Funk said. “His promotion today is our Army’s recognition of his potential for service at higher levels of complexity – higher levels of responsibility and trust.”
Michaelis, a third-generation Soldier, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1989 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1993. He is a distinguished military graduate of Texas A&M University. He’s served in many command and staff positions during his career, including executive officer to the undersecretary of the Army and chief of staff to the commander of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq (CJFLCC-I) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Baghdad, Iraq.
“Patrick brings the intellectual horsepower, the operational experience and the passion for the work that will be required for our Army’s future success,” Funk said.