Published: March 24, 2008 11:47 pm      

Barbour names Freeman head of Mississippi National Guard

JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour has named Brigadier Gen. William “Bill” Freeman, Jr., of Newton, as the state’s Adjutant General replacing Maj. Gen. Harold Cross, who recently announced his retirement. In this position, Gen. Freeman will command the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard.

“I am deeply appreciative of Gen. Cross’ outstanding career in service of his state and country, especially his tremendous leadership in the war on terrorism and after Hurricane Katrina. I know Gen. Freeman has not only a huge respect and passion for the Guard as an institution, but also a very high personal concern for the well-being of our Guard members and their families. He is also a man of integrity, commitment, and honor, and I welcome his return to public service in this vitally important role,” Barbour said.

Gen. Freeman has more than 30 years of military experience with the Mississippi Army National Guard, and was awarded the Legion of Merit medal upon his retirement in 1999. Gen. Freeman began his career in 1966, when he enlisted in the Army National Guard in Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 114th Field Artillery.

Serving in various capacities throughout his career, including as a second lieutenant, platoon leader, air observer, assistant personnel officer, and battery executive officer, Gen. Freeman also held the position of service battery commander for five years, during which time his artillery battery was a three-time recipient of the Eisenhower Trophy awarded to the most outstanding National Guard unit in the state.

In 1990, Gen. Freeman became deputy commander of Detachment 1, 1st Calvary Division and took command of the 631st Field Artillery Brigade in 1992. Four years later, he was promoted to oversee the 66th Troop Command, where he was in charge of 2,457 soldiers. He maintained this post until his retirement in 1999.

Gen. Freeman is a recipient of various national and state achievement medals, including: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Mississippi War Medal, Mississippi Longevity Medal, and Mississippi Emergency Service Medal.

A resident of Newton, Gen. Freeman and his wife, Karen, have one son and one daughter and six grandchildren. Currently, Gen. Freeman is senior vice president, chief operating officer and board member of the Newton County Bank and the Newton County Bancorporation. He served two terms as mayor of Newton from 1979-1987.