Gen. Spurgin takes command during an important time for the 36 Infantry Division. The division is made up of more than 16,000 soldiers and is comprised of seven brigades: two infantry brigade combat teams, a combat aviation brigade, a battlefield surveillance brigade, a sustainment brigade, a maneuver enhancement brigade and an engineer brigade.

Spurgin said the advancement didn't come as a surprise to him and his family, as he's been on-track for the promotion for some time now.

“It came a little sooner than I had expected, but we weren't necessarily surprised,” said Spurgin. “This is going to be a very busy time for me, as my division gets ready to be deployed to Iraq in 2010. There's a tremendous amount of training involved in preparing for deployment. It takes a lot to get a division headquarters ready to be deployed, as well.”

As for Spurgin's life in the Crossroads area, he said he will definitely be coming back to Big Spring once his work in Iraq is done.

“I'll be taking a leave-of-absence from the Natural Resources Conservation Service that will amount to about two-and-a-half years,” said Spurgin. “However, we're not planning to move. My wife will stay home, right here in Big Spring, and when we come back from our deployment I'll be coming back here to my home and my job.”

The division currently has more than 4,000 soldiers deployed with more headed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the coming years. Combine mobilizations with hurricane relief and other state duties, and the 36 Infantry Division has never been busier. Addressing an audience of commanders and senior non-commissioned officers, Spurgin assured leadership that he was ready for the challenge and looks forward to working with commanders and continuing the past and present successes of the division.

During his speech, he stressed physical fitness and marksmanship as key elements needed to create a qualified and well-rounded solider.

It was an important day for the general as he was promoted from brigadier general to major general and assumed command of the division. This took place during a larger ceremony in which former division deputy commanding general of support, Brig. Gen. Joyce Stevens, was promoted to commanding general of the Texas Army National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga assumed the title of Adjutant General of Texas designate of the Texas Military Forces.

Maj. Gen, Spurgin began his military service in 1980 after graduation from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of science degree in animal science. He has attended the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course, the Field Artillery Cannon Battery Course, Reserve Component Tank Commanders Course, the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College.

Maj. Gen. Spurgin has served as the commander of Troop B, 1-124th Cavalry; Company C, 2-142nd Infantry; HHC, 2-142nd Infantry; 2-142nd Infantry Battalion; 36th Brigade, 49th Armored Division, 72nd Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, and most recently, 142nd Corps Security Detachment (III Corps ROC).

At this time, Gen. Spurgin’s deputy commanders have yet to be announced.