Paul George Cerjan

General Paul G. Cerjan (Ret.) 72, passed away at his home in Valrico, Florida on Sunday April 17th 2011. He is survived by his wife Patricia, of 48 years, along with son Col. Robert and Heidi Cerjan, David, and Timothy as well as two grandchildren; Christopher and Meghan. Born to George and Elizabeth Cerjan, he was raised with his brother, Steve in Rome, NY. He attended the United States Military Academy, West Point that began a 34-year military career with the United States Army.

Paul served in seven different US Army divisions, rising to the rank of Lieutenant General. Key military assignments included serving as the President of the National Defense University, Deputy Commander in Chief, US Army, Europe and Seventh Army; Commanding General, 21st Theater Army Area Command, US Army, Europe, Commandant of the Army War College, Assistant Division Commander for Support, the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY, Executive Officer for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Director of the High Technology Test Bed for the 9th Infantry Division in Ft. Lewis, WA, Commander 7th Engineer Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division G3 and Battalion Commander, 10th Engineer Battalion He served two combat tours in Vietnam with 1st Cavalry Division and 101st Airborne Division.

He earned a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point. He attended the U. S. Army War College, as well as the Senior Government Leaders Course at Harvard University. He was a Registered Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Virginia. His awards and decorations include: the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge.

Following retirement from the US Army in 1994, General Cerjan continued to work, first for Loral Corp., then Lockheed Martin. He served as President of Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA from 1998 until his departure in 2000. Afterwards, he and Mrs. Cerjan moved to Valrico, FL. During the past 11 years, Paul continued his service and support to US and Allied service members around the world through work at Kellogg, Brown and Root, L-3 Communications and Agility Logistics. As a civilian in 2004, he spent a year living in an active Iraqi combat zone serving U.S and Coalition Forces.

General Cerjan’s exemplary leadership was an inspiration wherever he was assigned. He believed in not just impacting the lives of officers, soldiers and customers, but their families and communities. He worked tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of service and leadership. A caring and inspired leader, he loved people, loved soldiers, loved to train, to coach, to teach and mentor. He always led by personal example and from the front. He will be cherished for the joy he felt while spending time with his family, and for his pride in his children and grandchildren. They celebrate his life and know he has passed on to Glory with the Lord.

General Cerjan will be “interred “with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, date TBD. He went with his boots on. Well Done – Be Thou at Peace.