SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — The commander of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)’s Joint Transportation Reserve Unit (JTRU), Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Council Jr., was promoted to major general in an official pinning ceremony June 12 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. 

U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Council received his promotion via Congressional announcement effective April 29, 2021. He is the 14th commander of the JTRU and its Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard reservists, taking command in June 2019. The JTRU augments USTRANSCOM in providing air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense, both in times of peace and war.

“I am truly honored for the trust and opportunity Congress bestowed on me with this promotion,” Council said. “It’s been a remarkable experience serving at USTRANSCOM under General Lyons’ leadership these past two years. I’m particularly proud of JTRU reservists stepping up to mobilize in support of COVID-19 relief efforts these last 13 months, both at home and abroad.” 

Council serves as the mobilization assistant to the U. S. Army Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, USTRANSCOM commander, through the Joint Reserve Component Directorate (TCRA), where he advises Lyons on all matters related to Reserve Component support to USTRANSCOM and component commands. Lyons presided over the promotion ceremony.

“Today is not about what General Council did over the last 30-plus years – it’s really about what he has committed to continue to do as a leader,” said Lyons, telling Council, “I know of nobody that thinks of this great military as a service and a calling like you do.”

Council currently resides in Dayton, Ohio, with his wife Doriann. He grew up in Thomasville and is the son of Kenneth R. Council (Ray) and stepmother Wanda Council of Thomasville, and the late Ann S. Council. He is a 1989 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

His Air Force career has spanned 31 years, while as a civilian he has flown as an international pilot for a major U.S. airline for the past 21 years.

Maj. Gen. Council headed the mobilization efforts for more than 70 reservists for COVID-19 support efforts.