ERMA — Veterans and elected officials from Lower Township and throughout Cape May County came out Wednesday evening to pay tribute to Brigadier General Michael S. Linnington, originally from Villas, and to revel in the pride of one of their own whose rare qualities have propelled him into the highest echelons of the nation’s military leaders and commanders.
Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, POW/MIA, Forgotten War Veteran Museum, Marine Corps League, Naval Air Station Wildwood, and the United States Coast Guard, along with Lower Township Mayor Walt Craig, Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew (D-1st), Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-1st), Senator Nicholas Asselta (R-1st), Freeholder Gerald Thornton and Freeholder Ralph Bakley presented Linnington with various resolutions and commendations recognizing his illustrious military career, at the Lower Cape May Regional High School Paul Schmidtchen Auditorium.
As a finale, the United States Coast Guard Recruit Band played each service’s anthems, as veterans of each branch stood and were recognized for their service to country.
Linnington, 49, was recently promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army, and currently serves as Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Infantry Center in Fort Benning, Ga., with overall responsibility he said for, among other things, transforming civilians into “steely-eyed warriors.”
Linnington related a story about a young private who was having trouble learning the skill of inserting an intravenous drip on the field, part of basic training and a required skill for all combat soldiers. Linnington said he approached the young private and rolled up his own sleeve. Maybe you need some better veins, he told the young man.
“I can do this,” the private kept repeating to himself and his commander.
After about four different attempts, said Linnington, and more than a few pricks in his arm, the young private got it right.
“These modern day warriors are fully committed and stepping up to do what we ask them to do,” he said.
He is motivated by his role in giving young men and women soldiers the confidence they need to do their important job of protecting the nation at home and abroad.
Linnington’s family was present at the ceremony, including his wife and brothers and his mother, Rita, whom family friend Freeholder Gerald Thornton dubbed “The First Sergeant,” crediting her with starting her son out on a disciplined course that led to his many outstanding achievements.
Linnington credited his achievements with the soldiers whom he’s led over his illustrious 28-year military career.
“Tonight is about them, not about me,” he said.
(For more on Brigadier General Michael S. Linnington, see next week’s Herald).
Contact Avedissian at (609) 886-8600 Ext 27 or at: savedissian@cmcherald.com.
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