Brigadier General Gary E. Huffman

Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

(Emg.rs - 18/06/11; NATO Headquarters Sarajevo; Atlantic Initiative)

US Brigadier General Gary Huffman of the Mississippi National Guard took over command of NATO's Headquarters (HQ) in Sarajevo from fellow American Brigadier General David Enyeart during a ceremony at Camp Butmir on June 15th 2011.

Born in the small rural town of Houston, Mississippi, Huffman obtained his Bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Mississippi State University in 1973. He received Master's Degrees in business administration and in strategic studies from Touro University International (2003) and the United States Army War College (2008), respectively.

After his graduation from college in 1973, Huffman had a successful career in the private and public sector as a partner in the family's cattle and row crop farm, and the United State Postal Service.

In 1982, Huffman enlisted in the US Army. After a six-month service as field artillery plans officer at the 155th Separate Armoured Brigade, Huffman was transferred in February 1996 to the 1st Cavalry Division Rear Tactical Operations Center. In September 1996, he joined again the 155th Separate Armoured Brigade, serving consecutively as fire support officer, air operations officer and operations officer.

In January 2009, Huffman deployed to Iraq for a second time, with the 155th Brigade's Combat Team. He served as the brigade's rear detachment commander until its return in April 2010 and then as its deputy commander until his selection as commander NATO HQ Sarajevo effective June 1st 2011.

Taking over his new duties from Enyeart during a formal change of command ceremony at Camp Butmir, Huffman voiced confidence that the Balkan nation's "are facing a secure and stable future".

Huffman is married and has two adult children.