Fort Bliss Monitor

Fort Bliss formally welcomes new deputy commanding general to post

Spc. Steve Baack
Monitor Staff

Col. Francis Mahon, new deputy commanding general, speaks at the ceremony welcoming him to the position.

Having assumed the position of deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and Fort Bliss July 19, Col. Francis G. Mahon was formally welcomed by a crowd of more than 400 in attendance at the Fort Bliss and ADA Museum and Study Center July 29.

After a presentation of flowers to Mahon’s wife, Elizabeth, Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, commander, USAADACFB, gave an introduction. Vane outlined challenges of the modern Army and ADA branch, and also spoke highly of Mahon’s abilities and reputation in regards to meeting such challenges.

“I could not be happier to know that Col. Fran Mahon and his family are now a part of our team,” said Vane. “Fran Mahon is an astute, seasoned leader.

“His reputation is superb,” Vane continued. “He is known for being level-headed while under deadlines and stress, as well as for working hard for what is right. He’s a combat developer, a trainer, a logistician and known for setting and enforcing standards in everything that he does.”

Mahon is returning with his family to Bliss after a tour as a member of the Chairman’s Joint Staff in Washington, where he served as a missile defense analyst in the J-8’s Sea, Air and Space Superiority Assessment Division. He was also on the Army Staff as the G-8’s Director of Materiel for Force Developments. From July 2000 through July 2002, Mahon was the commander of the 11th ADA Brigade here.

“I have many great memories of days gone by,” said Mahon. “I look forward to making many new friends and creating new memories in the days of the future. The post looks great and the city and community continue to thrive. With every return, we’re amazed at how things have changed, developed and gotten better. Together with our partnership, I’m sure we’ll make El Paso and Fort Bliss even better,” he said.

Mahon spoke to Soldiers and friends during his speech, but also addressed Vane directly.

“Periodic mobilization briefings I attended in the past two years in the Pentagon were always a source of professional and hometown pride as I consistently heard the briefer state Fort Bliss’ status is green, the post’s tremendous achievements are outstanding, sir, you and this community have done everything they could to prepare units for deploying.”

After cutting the cake with his son, Mahon shook hands and spoke with those in attendance.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	August 5, 2004

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	Fort Bliss formally welcomes new deputy commanding general to post Spc. Steve Baack Monitor Staff Col. Francis Mahon, new deputy commanding general, speaks at the ceremony welcoming him to the position. Having assumed the position of deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and Fort Bliss July 19, Col. Francis G. Mahon was formally welcomed by a crowd of more than 400 in attendance at the Fort Bliss and ADA Museum and Study Center July 29. After a presentation of flowers to Mahon’s wife, Elizabeth, Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, commander, USAADACFB, gave an introduction. Vane outlined challenges of the modern Army and ADA branch, and also spoke highly of Mahon’s abilities and reputation in regards to meeting such challenges. “I could not be happier to know that Col. Fran Mahon and his family are now a part of our team,” said Vane. “Fran Mahon is an astute, seasoned leader. “His reputation is superb,” Vane continued. “He is known for being level-headed while under deadlines and stress, as well as for working hard for what is right. He’s a combat developer, a trainer, a logistician and known for setting and enforcing standards in everything that he does.” Mahon is returning with his family to Bliss after a tour as a member of the Chairman’s Joint Staff in Washington, where he served as a missile defense analyst in the J-8’s Sea, Air and Space Superiority Assessment Division. He was also on the Army Staff as the G-8’s Director of Materiel for Force Developments. From July 2000 through July 2002, Mahon was the commander of the 11th ADA Brigade here. “I have many great memories of days gone by,” said Mahon. “I look forward to making many new friends and creating new memories in the days of the future. The post looks great and the city and community continue to thrive. With every return, we’re amazed at how things have changed, developed and gotten better. Together with our partnership, I’m sure we’ll make El Paso and Fort Bliss even better,” he said. Mahon spoke to Soldiers and friends during his speech, but also addressed Vane directly. “Periodic mobilization briefings I attended in the past two years in the Pentagon were always a source of professional and hometown pride as I consistently heard the briefer state Fort Bliss’ status is green, the post’s tremendous achievements are outstanding, sir, you and this community have done everything they could to prepare units for deploying.” After cutting the cake with his son, Mahon shook hands and spoke with those in attendance.