Email   Print   Share By Dave Larsen, Sentinel Editor

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III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., pins the Legion of Merit onto the uniform of Maj. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo during a retreat ceremony outside of the corps’ headquarters June 6. Dave Larsen, Sentinel Editor

Fort Hood said farewell to III Corps Deputy Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo during a retreat ceremony outside the corps headquarters June 6.

During the ceremony, DiSalvo was promoted to major general by III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr. Campbell awarded DiSalvo with the Legion of Merit for his service to III Corps.

DiSalvo served as deputy commander of III Corps and Fort Hood since May 2011. He also served as III Corps chief of staff, including during the corps’ yearlong deployment to Iraq in 2010.

The general is leaving Fort Hood to become chief of staff of U.S. Southern Command, based in Miami.

The newly promoted two-star general thanked his superiors, colleagues and the local community for their support during his remarks. He also thanked his Family for supporting his 31-year Army career.

“It’s only because of them I’m standing here today,” he said to his wife, Leigh.

Campbell praised DiSalvo and his wife, noting their contributions to the command and community.

“I’ve been in this unique and wonderful community for more than a year now, and any time I speak with the Families, the local leaders and the Soldiers, I hear about the efforts and accomplishments that the DiSalvos have been involved with,” Campbell said. “This team has not only supported, but has actively improved the Great Place across the board.”

Besides the Legion of Merit and promotion to major general, DiSalvo was made an “Honorary Texan” and commissioned as an admiral in the “Texas Navy” in proclamations signed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

DiSalvo’s wife was proclaimed a “Yellow Rose of Texas” by the governor, and she received several honors as well from III Corps and the Fort Hood community for her volunteer work.

“Your achievements will endure long after you and Joe move on,” Campbell said to DiSalvo’s wife.

Brig. Gen. James Richardson, 1st Cavalry Division deputy commander for support, will join III Corps as its new deputy commanding general.