CAMP RIPLEY - Colleagues, both Military and civilian, joined family, friends and former service members for a retirement ceremony at Camp Ripley Aug. 1, 2014.
The retirement of Maj. Gen. Gerald Lang from the Minnesota Army National Guard marked the end of a great Military career for a father, friend, mentor and leader as hundreds gathered at the Hangar Conference Center to honor Maj. Gen. Lang.
"He was my very first Commander," said retired Army sergeant Tony Wenzel. "I learned a lot from him, what a guy!"
Maj. Gen. Lang, graduated from Milaca High School in 1970 and joined the U.S. Army in 1971. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and AIT at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland before attending Officers Candidate School and commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1976. He served as a platoon leader and company XO in the 747th Maintenance BN at Alexandria, MN, Princeton, Minnesota, Camp Ripley, Minnesota and Co. F 2nd BN School Brigade, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.
Honored guest from 40 years of military service got a chance to speak that evening, including Lt. Gen Patricia McQuistion, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. material Command and Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, Adjutant General for the Minnesota National Guard. Members of Maj. Gen. Lang's first unit were also present for his retirement ceremony, proudly cheering for the "loggie" who never let soldiers go without proper logistical support.
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"Jerry once told me, that great military leader focus on amazing tactics, but brilliant military leaders focus on logistics," said Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, Adjutant General for the Minnesota National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Lang has deployed overseas to Bosnia/Herzegovina where he served as the Deputy Commander for Multi-National Brigade (North), a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Stabilization Force (SFOR) mission for Operation Joint Forge. General Lang took his position as Deputy Commanding General, 34th Infantry Division, in September 2005. His first position as a General Officer, General Lang was assigned as the Deputy Commanding General - 34th Infantry (Red Bull) Division in September of 2005. In 2009 General Lang once again deployed with the 34th Infantry Division to Iraq where the 34th Infantry Division assumed command and control of Multi-National Division-South in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I am proud to call him my friend, he is dedicated to his family, community and country; and has proudly served them for over 40 years. He will be missed, but he has ensured the future of our organization is set up for success," said Lt. Gen. McQuistion.
