Kansas City, Mo. — June 12, 2009— Grantham University (www.uagrantham.edu), an online university serving working adult students around the world, today announced Lieutenant General (Ret) Thomas Rhame, vice president of finance and administration at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), has joined its Board of Governors.
"Education is a critical element of developing leaders," said General Rhame. "I'm pleased to be associated with an educational organization that is focused on providing online degree educational opportunities to our service members."
General Rhame retired from the Army in 1997. In his last assignment, he served as the Director of the Defense Security Assistance Agency. Prior to that, General Rhame was the Chief of the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia. During Operation Desert Storm, General Rhame was the Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One", Fort Riley, Kan. Under his command, "The Big Red One" successfully conducted the initial attack to penetrate Iraqi defensive positions, conducted the rapid passage of lines for the 1st British Armored Division, and conducted a night attack against elements of the Iraqi Republican Guard.
"We are extremely proud to have General Rhame join our Board of Governors," said Dr. John LaNear, President of Grantham University. "General Rhame is a distinguished service member who believes in providing educational opportunities for service men and women. His advice will be greatly valued at Grantham and will help us to continuously tailor our programs and services to students who serve in the military. "
General Rhame will join Dr. Herbert I. London, president of the Hudson Institute; John Ashford, chairman and CEO of The Hawthorn Group, L.C.; Harry Haggerty, president and CEO of Math Mastery; and Rear Admiral Karen Harmeyer (Ret.), United States Navy on the University's Board.
While in the Army, General Rhame also served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Army, and Commander of the US Army Community and Family Support Center in Washington, DC. He served as Commander, 2d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division in Kitzingen, Germany; Chief of Staff, 3d Armored Division in Frankfurt, Germany; and Assistant Division Commander, 3d Armored Division and Community Commander of the Hanau Military Community.
Among his numerous awards, General Rhame has received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Distinguished Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), the Silver Star (with oak leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with "V" Device.
About The Association of the United States Army:
Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA provides numerous Professional Development Opportunities at a variety of events both local and national. For more information, visit: https://www.ausa.org.