November 1, 2011
SFL Board Member Becton Honored

Retired Army Lieutenant General Julius W. Becton, Jr., Vice Chairman of the SFL Board of Directors, has been inducted into the National Defense University (NDU) National Hall of Fame, the latest in a long list of honors.

The National Hall of Fame is the University's most prestigious honor; it pays tribute to American alumni with exceptional records of service and achievement.

NDU President Vice Admiral Ann E. Rondeau, USN, presented the award, saying that Lt. Gen. Becton "is not only a superb leader, but also an inspirational mentor to thousands of men and women from all over the United States."

Lt. Gen. Becton served in the Army for almost forty years, beginning as a platoon leader in World War II. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service during the Korean War, and held many significant positions during his career, including chief of Armor Branch and commander of the First Cavalry Division.

Gen. Becton was promoted to lieutenant general in 1978, and assumed command of VII Corps--the first African-American Army officer to attain this rank and the first to command a corps. After that assignment, he was named deputy commander of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. He retired in 1983 but continued his career in public service, first with the United States Agency for International Development, and then as Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. From 1989 to 1994, he returned to his alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, as president. Gen. Becton also served as Superintendent of the District of Columbia Public Schools from 1996 to 1998.

In 2007, Gen. Becton received the George Catlett Marshall Medal--the highest award presented by the Association of the United States Army. He has also received five honorary doctorate degrees.

Steven J. Gorski, President and CEO of The Source for Learning, said, "The honors awarded to General Becton demonstrate not only his service to his country but also his tireless efforts to promote quality education for learners of all ages. We are very fortunate to have such an exemplary person sharing his talents with our organization as Vice Chairman of our Board of Directors."