South Carolina State University News March 21, 2013 SC State Alumnus to Receive 2nd Star, Promotion to Major General in the United States Army The secretary of defense for the United States, Chuck Hagel has announced the promotion of Brig. Gen. Stephen M. Twitty to the rank of Maj. Gen. in the United States Army. A veteran of three wars, Twitty is currently serving in Afghanistan on his fifth overseas combat tour. His previous combat deployments include three tours in Iraq and a tour in Kuwait. Twitty is the son of Bobby and Belinder Twitty of Chesnee, S.C. He is a 1981 graduate of Chesnee High School and a 1985 graduate of SC State University. He holds master's degrees from Central Michigan University and the National Defense University. "It is an honor to serve my country and a privilege to lead our nation's finest sons and daughters. Their tremendous sacrifices and dedication have made me look good and their example has brought out the best in me. I owe much of my success, during over 27 years of service, to these wonderful soldiers," said Twitty. In addition to his numerous military awards, Twitty is a recipient of the Silver Star medal, the nation's third highest award for valor in combat, two award of the Distinguished Superior Service Medal, and three awards of the Bronze Star medal. In 2009, the state of South Carolina recognized Twitty by naming a four and a half mile stretch of State Highway 11, which runs through his home town of Chesnee in his honor. A distinguish military graduate of SC State University's Army ROTC Program, General Twitty was inducted in SC State's Army ROTC Hall of Fame in 2009, and was selected as one of the university's distinguished alumni in 2004. With the promotion to Maj. Gen., Twitty becomes SC State University's most senior alumni serving on active duty in the military. General Twitty and his wife Karen have two daughters, Ashley and Brooke. Upon his return to the United States this summer, Twitty and his family will reside at Fort Hood, Texas, where he will assume the position as senior commander of Fort Hood, Texas. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.