Gen. Joe Jarrard earns McLain Medal

Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Jarrard has earned the Lt. Gen. Raymond S. McLain Medal from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). He received the award Oct. 11.

Jarrard, a 1988 alumnus of the University of North Georgia (UNG), is the deputy-commanding general for U.S. Army Europe and Africa for the Army National Guard. He is the former adjutant general for the state of Georgia and commanding general of the Georgia Department of Defense. He served on active duty for more than 20 years.

"It is truly an honor to receive this award, primarily because to me it recognizes the outstanding contributions of the soldiers and airmen with whom I have been privileged to serve and lead," Jarrard said. "Many of the leadership lessons I use today I learned as a member of the Corps of Cadets at UNG."

The medal was established in 1999 and is awarded annually to a serving or former member of the U.S. National Guard who has contributed most to the advancement of AUSA's goal of a seamless and component-integrated Army.

Jarrard is one of five members of UNG's class of 1988 to earn promotion to general officer: Lt. Gen. Paul T. Calvert, retired Maj. Gen. William K. Gayler, Maj. Gen. James B. Jarrard, and retired Brig. Gen. Michael L. Scholes. Maj. Gen. James B. Jarrard is Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Jarrard's twin brother.