The U.S. Army has promoted Suffolk native Eugene Gates Jr. to the rank of Major.

Gates is the son of Janie Gates Moore and the late Eugene Gates Sr. As a child, he was an active member of New Paul’s Temple Church of Deliverance. He was educated in Suffolk’s public schools and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in building construction technology from Norfolk State University.

Gates entered the military as a reservist in 1990, transitioning to active duty in 1997. His assignments have included stretches with the Protocol Office for the General Staff in Germany, with Psychological Operations in Fort Bragg, N.C., as the executive officer for the 100th Engineer Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003), as Staff Coordination Officer for the XVIII Airborne Corps, and as commander of the 572nd Engineer Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Gates’ military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Engineer Officer Basic Course, the Engineer Captains Career Course and the 82nd Airborne School Jumpmaster Course.

During his military career, Gates has received a variety of awards and decorations, including two Bronze Stars, three Army Commendation Medals, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge and the German Parachutist Badge.

Gates currently serves as an instructor at the National Geospatial College at Fort Belvoir, and he is working on his master’s degree in project management through Keller’s Graduate School of Management.

He is married to Renee C. Gates of Suffolk, and they have one son, Eugene Wynston Gates III.