District Digest News Stories

Nashville District deputy commander promoted to lieutenant colonel

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published March 8, 2013
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Deputy District Commander Lt. Col. Patrick Dagon, (center) from Butler, Ill., gets his shoulder boards placed on by his wife, Emily (left) and his mother, Myra (right) during a promotion ceremony March 8, 2013, at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Headquarters, in Nashville, Tenn. Dagon has been with the Nashville District since Aug 2011. His next assignment is with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., with a report date in August. (USACE photo by Mark Rankin)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Deputy District Commander Lt. Col. Patrick Dagon, (center) from Butler, Ill., gets his shoulder boards placed on by his wife, Emily (left) and his mother, Myra (right) during a promotion ceremony March 8, 2013, at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Headquarters, in Nashville, Tenn. Dagon has been with the Nashville District since Aug 2011. His next assignment is with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., with a report date in August. (USACE photo by Mark Rankin)

Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, Nashville District commander, administers the oath of office to his Deputy District commander, Lt. Col. Patrick Dagon during a promotion ceremony at the Nashville District headquarters, March 8, 2013. Dagon has been with the Nashville District since Aug 2011. His next assignment is with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., with a report date in August. (USACE photo by Mark Rankin)

Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, Nashville District commander, administers the oath of office to his Deputy District commander, Lt. Col. Patrick Dagon during a promotion ceremony at the Nashville District headquarters, March 8, 2013. Dagon has been with the Nashville District since Aug 2011. His next assignment is with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., with a report date in August. (USACE photo by Mark Rankin)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 8, 2013) – Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District commander, officiated and promoted Maj. Patrick Dagon to lieutenant colonel here at a ceremony attended by his family and district employees at the headquarters building.

Dagon’s wife, Emily and mother, Myra, placed his new silver oak leaf rank insignia on his uniform. DeLapp also administered the oath of office and presented him with an officer’s promotional certificate from the president of the United States.

“He is a great compliment to the success of the district, my leadership style, and balances me out as a commander,” DeLapp said during opening remarks.  “He has accomplished a ton of work since he’s been here and it’s not just the day to day tasks of working with the staff, but he has been able to keep in stride, and succeeded in everything he has done. At a time when promotions are getting more competitive, the Army selected him for not only the things he’s done, but they are really saying he’s ready for the increased responsibility and that’s a big deal.”

In addition to his wife and son Nathaniel attending, the new lieutenant colonel’s parents, Mike and Myra; brother, Kevin, a newly promoted Army Major from Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, and uncle Charlie from Chattanooga, Tenn., attended.

Dagon made remarks immediately after his promotion and quickly thanked his wife and family for their continued support, love, and guidance. He said this promotion ceremony was special because it was the first formal promotion that his wife and his family have been able to attend.  He also recognized the district leadership and the Nashville District team for their support.

“On June, 27, 1992 I left home and never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be standing here,” Dagon said. “I thank my parents for encouraging me hang on through the tough times and family for your support,” Dagon said. “I especially want to thank two people who couldn’t be here today, my grandfathers, both who served in the Army and we miss dearly.” “This has been pretty incredible to have the opportunity to work such good people over the years, the units and I’m truly appreciative for everyone attending today.”

Dagon graduated and earned his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science.  He earned a Master’s in Public Policy Administration from the University of Missouri at St. Louis in 2002 and a Master of Science in Construction Management from the University of Washington in 2006.  Dagon is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Captain’s Career Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Command and General Staff School.

Dagon is married to the former Emily Frazier of Annandale, Va.  They have a son, Nathaniel.  Dagon has been with the Nashville District since Aug 2011.  His next assignment is with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., with a report date in August.

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