From West Columbia to West Point Grad BG Phariss '94 Promoted to Brigadier General

In the 1970s and ’80s, BG Ray Phariss '94 was a regular kid growing up in West Columbia. He enjoyed sports and sang in the choir, but one conversation changed his life. While in junior high, he visited with Columbia High School counselor Royce Arnold who gave his life direction, and now, 30 years later, BG Phariss '94 is thanking Arnold and others who set him on his life path. In October, BG Phariss '94 flew from Germany to Houston and met family and friends for his promotion ceremony. After a lifetime of service, he attained the rank of brigadier general in the US Army. Read more.