PROVIDENCE — “The President of the United States has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Brian W. Goodwin. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated potential for increased responsibilities, he is therefore promoted to brigadier general of the line…”

With those special orders in hand signed by the secretaries of the Army and Air Force, Rhode Island Army National Guard Col. Brian W. Goodwin, a member of a longtime North Smithfield family, was elevated to brigadier general yesterday in a State House ceremony filled with flourishes.

He thus becomes one of four generals commanding the soldiers and fliers in the Rhode Island Army and Air Force national guards.

Goodwin, who has been chief of staff, is now a one-star general and one of the two top assistants to Maj. Gen. Robert Bray, commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard.

In a ceremony that was part formal and part festive, his mother, Lois Goodwin; father, Warren Goodwin, a World War II Navy veteran; wife, Cheryl, and three children, Jonathan, Brian and Keribeth, came up to pin the star on his gold-trimmed dress blue uniform.

In a tongue-in-cheek tradition, Bray also ceremoniously appointed Goodwin’s wife Cheryl to the rank of major general in the “unorganized Rhode Island militia,” outranking her husband by one star. The proclamation was dated April 1, as in April Fool’s Day.

Standing behind a dark-wood lectern in the rotunda of the State House, Goodwin addressed an audience of 100-plus that included Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank J. Williams, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts and Bray.

In his remarks, Goodwin paid tribute to a number of individuals, including Norman Lamothe, a now-retired colonel, who broached the idea that he become a full-time member of the Guard. Goodwin gave up a seven-year career as a North Smithfield police officer — he continues to live in the town — in favor of the Guard.

When he was finished, he presented thank-you bouquets of flowers to his wife and mother, two Guard administrative assistants and Lt. Col. Patricia Ryan of the Defense Office of Military Support. His son, Pvt. Brian W. Goodwin Jr., also participated in the ceremony, in part by leading the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

After the new general made his presentations, the 88th Army Band of the Rhode Island National Guard struck up a stirring instrumental rendition of “The Army Song,” which is world-famous for its lyrical refrain, “and the caissons go rolling along.” The band continued to play as Goodwin greeted visitors in a receiving line in the State Room and members of the audience enjoyed a reception.

Goodwin, who succeeds the retiring Brig. Gen. John Enright, enlisted in the Guard in May 1972, serving as a dump truck operator in the 1118th Engineer Company. He entered the Rhode Island Military Academy in April 1978 and was named an honor graduate.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in April 1979 and was assigned as a platoon leader in the 861st Engineer Company. Later he was transferred to the 243rd Engineer Battalion, where he served in numerous staff positions, culminating with battalion executive officer. Then he became chief of staff at the Joint Force Headquarters in Cranston.

Goodwin holds a bachelor of science degree in public administration from Roger Williams University, a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

His decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak-leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf-cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak-leaf clusters and the Rhode Island Star with one oak-leaf cluster.

gsmith@projo.com