On April 28, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) introduced Brigadier General William E. Rapp, Commandant of West Point, in the Assembly Chamber during the annual West Point Day.

“As the ranking member on the New York State Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and a former Army Combat Engineer Officer, it was an honor to introduce Brigadier General William E. Rapp in the Assembly Chamber,” said Hawley. “I commend him for his patriotism, dedication, and commitment to our country. His service to our nation should be an inspiration to us all.”

Brigadier General Rapp, a Le Roy native, graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1984 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. Brigadier General Rapp’s civilian education includes a Bachelor’s of Science from USMA. Additionally, he holds a Master’s of Arts in Political Science and a PhD in International Relations from Stanford University. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, the Army War College, the Infantry Officer Advance course, Ranger School class, and the Strategic Program at CGSG.

Brigadier General Rapp commanded an airborne engineer company during Operation Desert Storm. He also served as the Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) and commanded the 54th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Mech) in Bamberg, Germany. Following his command, Brigadier General Rapp was selected to the Council of Foreign Relations Fellowship at the Institute for International Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan.

In June 2005, Brigadier General Rapp commanded the 555th Combat Engineer Group and deployed in support of the 101st Airborne Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, he completed this command and was named Director of the Commander’s Initiatives Group, serving under General David Petraeus in Multi-National Forces – Iraq. In 2009, Brigadier General Rapp assumed command of the United States Corps of Cadets as the 72nd Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy.

Brigadier General Rapp’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

Assemblyman Hawley served seven years in the Ohio Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Throughout his career, Hawley has been committed to issues concerning veterans and service personnel by sponsoring legislation that aids veterans and current service personnel, starting the Cell Phone for Soldiers program, and hosting an annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C.