Faith. Family. Friends. Freedom.

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Karl Wiest
  • 45th SW Public Affairs
PATRICK AFB, FL. --  Check out the headline. Those are the four facets that newly promoted Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, 45th SW commander, said he attributed to his growth and success in the Air Force and throughout his life during his promotion ceremony held July 23 at the Shark Center.

"They are all intertwined and they are all interconnected in many different ways", said Gen. Wilson. "They are the four pillars that I have built my life on - they are constant, unwavering, and they always will be for me no matter what path I follow."

While Gen. Wilson's professional military path began in 1985 when he graduated from the Air Force Academy, his families' dates back numerous generations. And the one-star could not be any prouder.

"My great-grandfather enlisted and fought in the Civil War for several years until he ultimately became a POW," he said. "My grandfather participated in World War I as did my great uncle, who was an officer in the Army Air Corp. My father, Lt. Col. (ret.) Burke L. Wilson, was an acclaimed navigator in Vietnam. We have a great family history of service and I'm proud to be a small part of it."

As the 45th SW Commander, Gen. Wilson is responsible for the processing and launching of U.S. government and commercial satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fl., and is the final approval authority for all launches on the Eastern Range, a 15-million-square-mile area.

"It is an honor to share this day not only with my family and friends, but also with the outstanding members of the 45th Space Wing," he said. "It's a true privilege to work beside such professionals as you. It has been crystal clear to my wife, Lisa, and I since we arrived here why Patrick is considered the world's premiere gateway to space; simply put, the people here on base and the amazing support we receive from the community are unparalleled and we have each and every one of you to thank for that."

Lt. Gen. Larry James, 14th Air Force commander, who was the presiding officer for the promotion ceremony, said he not only considers Gen. Wilson a fine officer, but also an exceptional leader.

"The Air Force got it right," said Gen. James. "You could not find a better Air Force officer and it's a privilege for me to be here today with Ed and the rest of the Wilson family. Ed and I have served together several times now and I can tell you he is an officer that always rises to the top."

 

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