Prairie View A&M University ROTC Alumni Chapter
General & Flag Officer Graduates
Prairie View A&M University has a rich history of contributing to military services, producing numerous graduates who have ascended to the prestigious ranks of general and admiral. The institution's commitment to leadership and excellence is reflected in achievements of its alumni, who have served with distinction in various branches of the armed forces. Through rigorous training and a strong emphasis on character development, Prairie View continues to inspire the next generation of military leaders, reinforcing its legacy in national defense and service.
General & Flag Officers
Lieutenant General Julius Wesley Becton Jr. was a distinguished military leader and public servant. He rose through the ranks of a desegregated U.S. Army to become the first African American officer to command a Corps. After retiring as a Lieutenant General, he served as the director of FEMA and president of Prairie View A&M University.
LTG (R) Julius Becton
Lieutenant General Marvin D. Brailsford was a highly accomplished military leader who specialized in ordnance and logistics. After graduating from Prairie View A&M, he rose to command several key units, including the 60th Ordnance Group and the Armament, Munitions, and Chemical Command. His career culminated in his role as the Deputy Commanding General for Materiel Readiness, where he provided critical support during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
LTG (R) Marvin Brailsford
Vice Admiral David Brewer III began his distinguished naval career as a member of the first graduating class of the Naval ROTC at Prairie View A&M University. Over his 35-year service, he held many notable positions, including Commander of the Military Sealift Command and Vice Chief of Naval Education and Training. His leadership was crucial during Operation Iraqi Freedom and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
VADM(Ret.) Dave Brewer
Lieutenant General Billy King Solomon was a distinguished U.S. Army officer who served for 36 years. He was a Vietnam War veteran and rose through the ranks to command the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM). After retiring as a three-star general, he held leadership roles in the private sector.
LTG (R) Billy Solomon
Lieutenant General Calvin A.H. Waller was a highly decorated U.S. Army officer who served for 32 years, including in the Vietnam War. He is best known for his pivotal role as Deputy Commander-in-Chief during the Persian Gulf War, where he was one of the highest-ranking African American officers in the U.S. military. He retired at age 53 and went on to a career in the environmental sector.
LTG (R) Calvin Waller
Major General James A. Cheatham is a U.S. Army officer with a distinguished career in engineering and leadership. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, he held numerous command and staff positions, culminating in his appointment as the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Assistant Deputy Commanding General for Reserve Affairs. In his civilian life, he served as the Director of the Office of Planning for the Federal Highway Administration.
MG (R) James Cheatham
Rear Admiral Kelvin Dixon, a 1981 graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, is a distinguished veteran of multiple conflicts. He participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he managed personnel movement in Kuwait and Iraq. Dixon was also mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom, leading efforts to protect shipping, implement biometrics, and train the Iraqi Navy and Marines.
RADM (Ret.) Kelvin Dixon
Major General Antoinette R. Gant is a distinguished U.S. Army officer and civil engineer with a decorated military career. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, she has served in numerous command positions and deployed in support of various operations. She currently serves as the Commanding General of the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region.
MG Antoinette Gant
Major General Carlton G. Smith, a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, launched his military career through the school's Army ROTC program. He has served in key leadership positions within the Texas Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror. As a civilian, Smith works for General Dynamics Information Technology and is a symbol of pride for his alma mater.
MG (R) Carlton Smith
Major General Jay Parker was a distinguished military intelligence officer and a graduate of Prairie View A&M University. He is best known as the first Chief of the Military Intelligence (MI) Corps, where he oversaw its activation and created its motto, "Always Out Front." During his career, he held numerous command and staff positions, including commanding the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School.
MG (R) Julius Parker
Rear Admiral Combs, an electrical engineering graduate of Prairie View A&M University, is a highly decorated naval officer and expert in submarine technology. He served as Program Manager for the SEAWOLF Attack Submarine program and later held key leadership positions at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. In addition to his naval career, he has been recognized with numerous awards for his engineering excellence.
RDML (Ret.) Osie V. Combs, Jr.
Brigadier General Johnie Forte Jr. was a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served for 31 years, with tours in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany. After retiring, he became the assistant superintendent for general services for Fairfax County public schools. Forte was known for his leadership, community service, and his role as a mentor.
BG (R) Johnnie Forte
Brigadier General James F. Porter is a distinguished U.S. Army officer and a graduate of Prairie View A&M University. He currently serves as the Deputy Commanding General-Support for the 99th Readiness Division. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions, including commands in the U.S. and Kuwait, and deployed in support of various operations.