On Sept. 24, Earl L. Cullum had honor of promoting his son, Earl. W. Cullum to the rank of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. The promotion occurred during a recent father and son trip to Fairmont, Ind. during James Dean Days. They traveled from both coasts of the United States, father from North East, and son from San Diego, Calif. to the annual Midwest event to administer the oath of office promoting his son.
Lt. Commander Cullum has served 23 years and completed eight deployments during his military service. His distinguished career and many accomplishments include five Navy Commendation Medals, six Navy Achievement Medals, two selections as Pacific Fleet Aviation Maintenance Officer of the Year and in 2003 his aircraft squadron had the honor of flying President George W. Bush to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
After serving in various capacities, Cullum serves as the maintenance officer of the MH-60 Fleet Introduction Team for the Commander of Naval Air Forces in San Diego and is tasked with introduction and integrating the Navy's new unmanned rotary winged aircraft to the operational fleet.
Cullum is a 1985 graduate of Aberdeen High School. His parents, Earl and Bonnie Cullum, are residents of North East.
