Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham, a 1977 Murray State University alumnus, is now commanding general of the Division West, First Army and Fort Carson , Colo. The change of command ceremony was held at Fort Carson ’s Manhart Field Sept. 14, when retiring Maj. Gen. Robert W. Mixon, Jr. transferred command to Graham.

In his first address as commanding general, Graham said, “It is an honor for Carol and me to be here and be given this responsibility, and we do not take it lightly...We will continue to ensure the sacrifices of so many will not be forgotten. We continue to be the land of the free because of the brave.”

Graham comes to Fort Carson from Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he served as the U.S. Army North deputy commanding general. Commissioned as a 2 nd lieutenant while at MSU, Graham has served in several capacities with the military prior to his current position including chief of staff, assistant commandant, and deputy commanding general at the Fort Sill U.S. Army Field Artillery Center. He was promoted to his command at Fort Sam Houston in February 2005.

Graham said his college days spent at Murray laid the foundation for a military career. Graham said Darrel McFerron, former MSU ROTC director and military science professor from 1982-84, is the reason he decided to continue with the program. “I had actually decided not to continue MSU’s ROTC program,” Graham said. “However, after I received a telephone call from McFerron he persuaded me to continue on in the program.”

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2 Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters) and Humanitarian Service medals for his efforts directing the largest military evacuation during the Katrina devastation in New Orleans, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters) and the Army Achievement Medal.