Georgia Military College announced that GMC Alumnus (JC c/o ‘89) Maj. Gen. Reginald Neal, U.S. Army (retired), was appointed by the president of the United States to serve as the assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Operations, Security, and Preparedness.
This historic moment marks the third presidential appointment of a Georgia Military College alumnus in 2025, underscoring GMC’s legacy of producing servant leaders who rise to the nation’s highest levels of responsibility.
Earlier this year, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, U.S. Air Force and GMC Preparatory School alumnus (Prep c/o ‘89), was appointed by the president and confirmed to serve as commander of United States European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, one of the most consequential military leadership roles in the world.
GMC also celebrated the presidential appointment of Maj. Gen. Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Army and GMC alumnus (JC c/o ‘89), who was confirmed to serve as the judge advocate general of the United States Army, the service’s top legal officer.
In his new role, Neal provides insight and advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on emergency response preparedness and resilience, national law enforcement and VA police operations, and security efforts across the country. He brings deep executive experience and proven leadership shaped by service as a retired army general officer, senior federal civilian, public-school and college educator, and executive consultant in emergency response operations.
Prior to joining the Department of Veterans Affairs, Neal served as an executive consultant on Pacific Strategy for the Georgia Institute of Technology Research Institute (GTRI) through his consulting firm, Green Tab Group, LLC.
His leadership experience spans military service, federal civilian roles, higher education, and private-sector consulting. Across his 37-year Army career, Neal earned a national reputation for expertise in homeland defense planning, particularly Pacific Homeland initiatives and Defense Support to Civil Authorities operations.
He collaborated extensively with FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of the Army, fostering interagency coordination to strengthen domestic preparedness. Commissioned as a field artillery officer through the ROTC program at Georgia Military College, he continues to exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment GMC strives to instill in every graduate.
Neal remains deeply connected to his alma mater through service on the Georgia Military College Alumni Board.
He is also an active advocate for veterans through his involvement with the American Legion (Bloomingdale), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (GA Post 5408), and the Chatham Artillery Corps.
— Contributed