Now-retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John P. Lawlor, Norwich’s 2019 Veteran’s Day speaker, honored
Y orwich University master’s graduate and retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John P. Lawlor was honored by having a Cheshire, Connecticut, bridge named in his honor.
Connecticut state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-Prospect), organized the Sept. 17 naming ceremony and posted the news online about Bridge No. 01076.
Lawlor, who spoke on campus in November 2019 during Norwich University’s Veterans Day observance, began his military service in 1987 with the U.S. Army. He lives in Southington, Connecticut, and serves as public works director in East Hartford, having held similar roles in Waterbury, Bloomfield and New Haven, Connecticut.
U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc and Waterbury (Connecticut) Veterans Memorial Committee Secretary Bob Dorr also attended the September bridge dedication.
“I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized here today,” Lawlor said in remarks on Zupkus’ website. “Having a piece of local infrastructure named in my honor is just too much for words. And to have it here, close to where my journey began, makes it even that much more special.”
Lawlor, who has served as deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, earned a public administration master’s from Norwich University in 2010. He also has Bachelor of Science in civil/construction engineering from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Lawlor in 1997 served with the Combined Joint Civil Military Task Force, as aide-de-camp and then military assistant to chief of NATO operations in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. He deployed in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as public works team chief for the 4th and 1st Infantry Divisions, improving infrastructure in north-central Iraq.
Lawlor, whose awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service and Meritorious Service medals, has also served in several positions in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Lawlor joined retired U.S. Army Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan ’59 in receiving a September honor involving a bridge. Sullivan on Sept. 11 was honored with a statue at the opening of the Generals Bridge and park in Quincy, Massachusetts.
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