New 3-Star General in Air Force has strong ties to Medina

Provided photos:  David A. Harris holds the seal made at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina for his promotion to 3-Star General at Bolling Air Force Base. With him, from left, are Mark Traxler of Medina, VFW Quartermaster Mike Mowvzarczak, VFW Commander Pat Little, Harris’ great-uncle Jim Freas and Dan Anderson, former commander of the VFW, who met Harris when they served together in Germany.

MEDINA – Jim Freas is proud of his family’s military service.

Freas is a Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. His younger brother Jim was also in the Marines and an older brother served in the Army during World War II.

Now Jim has more reason to be proud.

Jim Freas posted this message on the sign in front of Medina’s VFW Lincoln Post 1483, celebrating his great-nephew David A. Harris Jr.’s promotion to 3-Star General. Harris is a member of the local VFW.

His great-nephew David A. Harris has recently been promoted to 3-Star General in the Air Force in ceremonies at Bolling Air Force Base.

Although Harris grew up outside of Philadelphia and now lives on Bolling Air Force Base with his wife Ashley, he has ties to Medina. While visiting Jim and Lynn Freas several years ago, Jim said Harris fell in love with the place and joined the Lincoln VFW Post. He is also friends with Dan Anderson, who he met while serving in Germany.

Harris has had an illustrious career in the Air Force, most recently as lieutenant general deputy chief of staff, Air Force Futures, Headquarters, United States Air Force, the Pentagon.

He is a master navigator and basic parachutist with 2,500 flying hours. Among many, many impressive assignments, he has served as vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; deputy director of operations for Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.; and director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Prior to his current position, Harris was the deputy commander, Ninth Air Force, and deputy, Combined Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia.

Harris’ major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Bronze Star medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

Attending his promotion to 3-Star General was Jim and Lynn Freas, Dan and Diana Anderson, Pat Little, Scott Little, Mike Mowvzarczak and Mark Traxler, all members of the local VFW.

Making the ceremony even more special was the fact Harris held a large metal seal of the United States Air Force, which was made for him by students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina. Jim’s granddaughter is a member of BOCES’ welding class.

Jim said Harris and his wife visit Medina two or three times a year, and he expects their next visit to be in April.

Jim Freas and his wife Lynn of Medina attended the promotion of Jim’s great-nephew to 3-Star General in February at Bolling Air Force Base. From left are Freas, Gen. David A. Harris Jr., Lynn Freas and Harris’ wife Ashley.