PRESS RELEASE
August 29, 2006

Lansing, Mich. - Jerry J. Cannon of Traverse City, Mich., a member of the 46th Military Police Command, Lansing, Michigan Army National Guard, has been promoted to the rank of major general at a ceremony conducted at Camp Grayling, Mich. 

Cannon, originally from River Rouge, began his military career in 1967 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving in Vietnam from November 1967 through January 1969.  As a combat veteran he was decorated for valor, being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1970.  He enlisted into the Michigan Army National Guard in 1977 and accepted his commission to second lieutenant in 1978.  Prior to his current assignment, Cannon served as a maintenance company commander, installation provost marshal, deputy commander for the Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, commander of  the Joint Detention Operations Group at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and his previous assignment as brigade commander of the 177th  Military Police Brigade in Taylor, Mich.

During his military career, Cannon has received numerous awards including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal (with three Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (with V Device).

In civilian life, Cannon has served as a police officer since 1970.  He began his career in law enforcement in the city of River Rouge.  He recently retired as Sheriff of Kalkaska County, but continues to teach at Northwestern Michigan College.  He holds a holds an Associates Degree from Wayne County Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit.  Cannon continued his education by graduating from Central Michigan University with a Masters Degree in Public Administration.  Cannon has also achieved a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.

Cannon has been married to the former Elizabeth Donathon for 36 years.  They reside in Fife Lake, Mich. And have four children, Julie, Jerry, Joe and Tom and four grandchildren.