McElwain, a 1992 graduate of Minot High School who grew up on the family farm at Karlsruhe, was promoted to the rank of major general in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon.

Lt. Gen. Mark Bennett, military deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Management and Comptroller, was presiding officer at the ceremony.

In a speech presented during the ceremony, McElwain said, in thinking about destiny and about life’s purpose, “By what right does a girl from the middle of North Dakota, who grew up reading books to cows in the pasture of her family farm, have to be here? Why am I here, so far from a pasture, and in this moment?”

To answer that question, she took those in attendance, including family members, “through destiny, our destiny — the history of this nation,” pointing out various aspects of historical importance.

Submitted Photo Lt. Gen. Mark Bennett, left, military deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Management and Comptroller, was the presiding officer at Rebecca McElwain’s promotion ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 18. McElwain, right, was promoted to major general. U.S. Army photo by Christopher Kaufmann.

“Wherever you are sitting, look left and right,” she said to those in attendance. “Each person here is an author of legacy, an author of history, a right that is passed down through each generation.

“Each generation in the United States stands on the shoulders of those who came before them and in turn, each generation offers their shoulders to those who follow.

“This legacy is something worth fighting for. Something worth dying for if necessary — as many of those who are on the walls of this sacred hall would attest to,” she said, referring to the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. “The legacy of our nation produced an incredibly powerful and enduring Constitution that ensures our freedoms, our liberty.”

She said the Constitution is something the military swears an oath to uphold and defend — ensuring the rights of every person in the United States.

“Defending the rights of a nation composed of people from all walks of this Earth, even the prairie of North Dakota — each with a unique journey,” she said. “Legacy, liberty and our Constitution provide an unparalleled freedom. All of this culminates in why I am here today. Why a third generation American girl from the middle of North Dakota who read books to cows stands beside you — in this moment as a soldier. This is why my destiny and life path has crossed with yours.”

Submitted Photo Maj. Gen. Rebecca McElwain talks about growing up in North Dakota and how it inspired her career as part of her speech during the ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Pentagon when she was promoted to major general. U.S. Army photo by Christopher Kaufmann.

In conclusion, she said, “Today is a celebration honoring each of you — honoring us together. So very proud of our Army and so very proud to serve our nation.”

McElwain began her career in North Dakota as a medic in the U.S. Army Reserve and later in the Minnesota National Guard. After graduating from North Dakota State University, she received her commission in the U.S. Army Finance and Comptroller Corps.

She has a broad range of experience, from Army tactical-level commander to national strategic-level work with Congress, Department of Defense, now Department of War, and Department of State.

She has spent significant time serving abroad in various locations across Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East – commanding at every level.

Currently, she is serving in the Pentagon as director of Army Budget.

McElwain and her husband, James, have a son, Andrew.

James McElwain is a chef, classically trained in culinary arts from the Gros Bonnet Culinary Academy, Hawaii, and The Art Institute in Washington, D.C., and a graduate of the Holistic Health Practitioner & Holistic Nutrition program from the American College of Healthcare Science. A former Army ordnance officer, he volunteers as a veteran mentor for those wishing to join the culinary industry.

Andrew McElwain is also in public service and works at the General Services Administration while simultaneously earning his Master’s in business administration at the University of Mary Washington.