Meridian Star

Local News

March 24, 2008

Barbour names Freeman head of Mississippi National Guard

JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour has named Brigadier Gen. William “Bill” Freeman, Jr., of Newton, as the state’s Adjutant General replacing Maj. Gen. Harold Cross, who recently announced his retirement. In this position, Gen. Freeman will command the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard.

“I am deeply appreciative of Gen. Cross’ outstanding career in service of his state and country, especially his tremendous leadership in the war on terrorism and after Hurricane Katrina. I know Gen. Freeman has not only a huge respect and passion for the Guard as an institution, but also a very high personal concern for the well-being of our Guard members and their families. He is also a man of integrity, commitment, and honor, and I welcome his return to public service in this vitally important role,” Barbour said.

Gen. Freeman has more than 30 years of military experience with the Mississippi Army National Guard, and was awarded the Legion of Merit medal upon his retirement in 1999. Gen. Freeman began his career in 1966, when he enlisted in the Army National Guard in Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 114th Field Artillery.

Serving in various capacities throughout his career, including as a second lieutenant, platoon leader, air observer, assistant personnel officer, and battery executive officer, Gen. Freeman also held the position of service battery commander for five years, during which time his artillery battery was a three-time recipient of the Eisenhower Trophy awarded to the most outstanding National Guard unit in the state.

In 1990, Gen. Freeman became deputy commander of Detachment 1, 1st Calvary Division and took command of the 631st Field Artillery Brigade in 1992. Four years later, he was promoted to oversee the 66th Troop Command, where he was in charge of 2,457 soldiers. He maintained this post until his retirement in 1999.

Gen. Freeman is a recipient of various national and state achievement medals, including: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Mississippi War Medal, Mississippi Longevity Medal, and Mississippi Emergency Service Medal.

A resident of Newton, Gen. Freeman and his wife, Karen, have one son and one daughter and six grandchildren. Currently, Gen. Freeman is senior vice president, chief operating officer and board member of the Newton County Bank and the Newton County Bancorporation. He served two terms as mayor of Newton from 1979-1987.

Text Only
Local News
  • Flag In memory of those who died

        A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
        But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Choctaw Expressions to be showcased

        The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
        The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30.

    May 29, 2012

  • Farmer's Market Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday

        Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
        The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Purple Heart WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart

        About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.

    May 29, 2012 1 Photo

  • Man dies of gunshot wound

        Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.

    May 27, 2012

  • Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012

    May 27, 2012

  • leading_edges.jpg Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising

        If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • WWI_purple_heart.jpg Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • Partnership in place for safety blitz

    May 26, 2012

  • timekeepers.jpg Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans

        When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.

    May 26, 2012 1 Photo

Facebook
Helium debate
Helium
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108 Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com