Mark Landes was recently promoted to brigadier general. It was the result of many people coming together throughout his life, helping him achieve his goals. “You don’t get anything by yourself,” Landes said. “It’s being in the right place at the right time, but the emphasis is on being with the right people.” He has served 26 years in the military and with this promotion, he has become one of only 400-500 general officers in the U.S., 300 of which are active. “There are great people serving in the military right now,” Landes said, “so it was very humbling.”
As a one-star general officer, Landes now serves as assistant division commander of the 1st Armored Division, located in Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. His current responsibilities include making sure the soldiers and equipment in his division are always prepared for a potential deployment. “We have people deployed all over,” Landes said. “My job is to make sure that we’re ready at any time.” Landes said all of his accomplishments have been a team effort. From former coaches to friends to military peers, he cites the support of others for helping him get where he is today. “It all started with the great people in Kingsport,” Landes said. “I had great examples growing up, and throughout the military that has continued.” Read More