FAMU pharmacy graduate commands Florida National Guard

St. Augustine Florida’s newest two-star general rose to the highest echelons of military rank with a career that began at Florida A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Brigadier General Michael Calhoun was promoted to the rank of major general during a ceremony at the Florida National Guard headquarters in St. Augustine last spring.

Hundreds of dignitaries, supporters and friends turned out to see Governor Rick Scott pin Calhoun during the promotion ceremony.

“General Calhoun has selflessly served our country for more than 30 years and held many leadership positions in the Florida National Guard. I am confident he will do a great job as the Adjutant General of Florida and that the Florida National Guard is always ready to respond to any emergency that may affect our state,” said Scott.

Calhoun said the promotion was one of the most significant in his life. “Any time you are in a position that immediately affects 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen, and the protection of the citizens of Florida, it’s significant. It’s very humbling,” he stated.

Calhoun assumed command of the Florida National Guard as the Adjutant General of Florida, which means he commands citizen-soldiers and airmen from Pensacola to Miami, and will serve as a senior military adviser to the governor.

Calhoun began his military career as a private at the 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. He received a direct appointment as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the Florida Army National Guard’s 131st Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in 1989. He has served in many leadership roles throughout his career, including Commander of A Company, 161st Area Support Medical Battalion.