College of the Ozarks hosts a promotion ceremony on Oct. 25 for alumnus Colonel Bradley A. Leonard, who achieved the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army The pinning of his insignia was conducted by Major General Levon E. Cumpton, Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard. (LEFT: Major General Levon E. Cumpton, and RIGHT: Brigadier General Bradley A. Leonard)

College of the Ozarks hosted a promotion ceremony on Oct. 25 for alumnus Colonel Bradley A. Leonard, who achieved the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Held at the College’s Patriots Park, this special event celebrated Leonard’s distinguished career and dedication to service. The pinning of his insignia was conducted by Major General Levon E. Cumpton, Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard.

Leonard’s wife, Julie (Finch) Leonard, also a former C of O student, and their daughter, Sergeant Kayla Leonard, C of O student and member of the Missouri Army National Guard, assist in pinning his new insignia.

The ceremony included a welcome by Brigadier General James P. Schreffler, the College's Vice President of Patriotic Activities, who spoke on the significance of the College’s contributions to the military: “To date, our small institution has commissioned 77 second lieutenants for the U.S. Army. Brad was number nine in that lineup. Many of those Bobcats have gone on to do great things in the military, and it’s great to have several of them back here today,” Schreffler said. “Congratulations on becoming the fifth general of Hard Work U. and the only Army representative.”

The event highlighted the involvement of Leonard’s family, all of whom participated in the ceremony. His wife, Julie (Finch) Leonard, also a former C of O student, and their daughter, Sergeant Kayla Leonard, C of O student and member of the Missouri Army National Guard, assisted in pinning his new insignia. His daughter, Rebecca Leonard, participated by presenting him his General Officer Pistol Belt, and his son, Ryan Leonard, also participated by presenting him his General Officer Pistol. Leonard’s parents, Bill and Carolyn Leonard, along with wife Julie, presented the General Officer Flag. Additionally, Sergeant Kayla Leonard offered the traditional Silver Dollar Salute, underscoring the family’s shared dedication to military service.

Brigadier General Bradley A. Leonard is surrounded by friends and family during his promotion ceremony. Held at the College’s Patriots Park, this special event celebrated Leonard’s distinguished career and dedication to service.

Other ceremony participants included Lieutenant Colonel Rutledge McClain (Class of ’99) as narrator, Colonel R. Patrick Moore, Missouri National Guard State Chaplain, who provided the invocation, and members of the Bobcat Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program, the College’s officer candidate program, who posted the colors.

About Brigadier General Bradley A. Leonard

Brigadier General Bradley A. Leonard (Class of ’97) has held numerous leadership positions within the Missouri National Guard, including Commander of the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and assignments in support of operations in Afghanistan and the U.S. Southwest Border. He was commissioned as an officer in 1997 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at College of the Ozarks and has since built a distinguished career spanning 32 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from College of the Ozarks, a master’s degree in administrative studies from Missouri State University, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Members of the Bobcat Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program, the College’s officer candidate program, post the colors.

About Major General Levon E. Cumpton

Major General Levon E. Cumpton, who presided over the promotion, serves as the Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard. A lifelong Missourian, Cumpton oversees more than 12,000 soldiers, airmen, and civilian employees and has served in numerous leadership and operational roles, including deployments to the Balkans and Iraq. His career is marked by a steadfast dedication to Missouri’s soldiers and their communities.