Leaders

Biography

Major General Phil Brooks received his commission in the Field Artillery Corps from Memphis State University ROTC in 1993. His military schooling includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne School, Combined Arms Services Staff College, the Senior Service College Fellowship - Texas A&M, and Joint Forces Staff College. He earned a Master's Degree in Military Arts and Sciences from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Major General Brooks has commanded at the Battery, Battalion, and Brigade levels. He has served on Battalion, Brigade, Division, and Corps Staffs. Major General Brooks has also served on the Army Staff. His past assignments include: 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Infantry Division; 3d Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment, 3d Brigade, 1st Calvary Division; 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment,3d Brigade, 1st Calvary Division; 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division. Major General Brooks served as the Deputy Commanding General - Maneuver in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas and in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in Poland. In June 2020, Major General Brooks served as the Commandant of the United States Field Artillery School, Chief of the Field Artillery, and the Deputy Commanding General of Fort Sill. Major General Brooks, most recently, served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Gloucester, United Kingdom.

Major General Brooks combat and operational experience include deployments to Operation Joint Endeavor from 1995-1996; Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005, 2006-2007, 2008-2009; Operation Enduring Freedom 2011-2012, 2013-2014; Operation Atlantic Resolve 2015, 2016, 2019.

His awards and decorations includes the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Bronze Star Medal with 3 Bronze OLC, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and multiple Overseas Campaign and Service Ribbons.

Biography

Command Sergeant Major Neil H. Sartain was born in Memphis, Tennessee on 16 July 1969. He graduated from Raleigh Egypt High School in 1987. CSM Sartain attended Austin Peay State University from 1988 to 1991, where he was awarded a full athletic scholarship for track and cross country. He enlisted in the United States Army in July 1993, and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was the distinguished honor graduate of his class while attending advanced individual training at Fort Bliss, Texas and was awarded the MOS of 14J (Early Warning Systems Operator)

Command Sergeant Major Sartain served in various positions and assignments throughout his career such as the AAMDC Command Sergeant Major of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, JBPH-H, Hawaii; the Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the 38th ADA BDE, Sagami Army Depot, Japan; the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of the 2-43 ADA BN, Fort Bliss, Texas; the G3 Sergeant Major of the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Bliss, Texas; the Battalion S3 Operations SGM of the 3-43 ADA BN, Fort Bliss, Texas; the G3 Training NCOIC of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii; the First Sergeant of the 1-7 ADA BN, Fort Bliss, Texas/Osan Air Base, South Korea/Fort Bragg, North Carolina; the Operations Center NCOIC of the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; a Sentinel Radar Platoon Sergeant of the 2-44 ADA BN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; an Air and Battle Management Operations Center NCOIC of the 1-44 ADA BN, Fort Hood, Texas; a Training Room NCOIC in 5-5 ADA BN, Camp Stanley/Camp Red Cloud, South Korea; a Sentinel Radar Squad Leader in 1-3 ADA BN, Fort Stewart, Georgia; an A2C2 Operations Sergeant and Sentinel Radar Team Chief, Sentinel Radar/Early Warning Systems Operator in 1-5 ADA BN, Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Command Sergeant Major Sartain completed numerous military schools and courses including, the Nominative Leaders Course, Brigade CSM Pre-Command Course, Battalion CSM Pre-Command Course, United States Army Sergeant’s Major Academy (Class 63), First Sergeant’s Course, Battle Staff Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Unit Prevention Leader Course, and the Air Assault Course.

Command Sergeant Major Sartain’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1-Oak Leave Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (7-OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3-OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3-OLC), Good Conduct Medal (9th award), National Defense Medal (2 stars), Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal (2 stars), Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (1 star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal (5th award), Overseas Service Ribbon (6th award), Army Service Ribbon, Drivers Badge (W), Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Air Assault Badge. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.

CSM Sartain and his wife, are the proud parents of two daughters

Biography

Dr. Alvin W. Peterson Jr. was selected for the Senior Executive Service in November 2024. Dr. Peterson was appointed as the Deputy to the Commanding General, (DtCG), Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, effective 17 November 2024.

Dr. Peterson works for the Commanding General in the development and execution of organizational goals, objectives, and policies to ensure the Warfighting commanders receive world class Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery Soldiers, equipment, and organizations. Dr. Peterson is responsible for the Center’s 3,300 military and civilian personnel, technical and managerial efforts, and the $130-million-dollar annual operating budget.

Dr. Peterson previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), Fires Center of Excellence (FCOE) and Fort Sill from December 2019 to October 2024. As the DCoS, Dr. Peterson assisted in leading and synchronizing the FCOE staff, and subordinate commands in the accomplishment of FCOE and Fort Sill mission and objectives as assigned by the Commanding General. Prior to serving as the DCoS, Dr. Peterson served as Director, G8/Directorate Resource Management, FCOE. Dr. Peterson was responsible to the Commanding General, Fort Sill for managing a $150 million plus dollar budget. Prior to serving as the Director, Dr. Peterson, served as the Deputy Director. Preceding his tour as a resource manager, Dr. Peterson worked training developments as the Chief of Training Development and Requirements, FCOE.

Prior to serving as a Department of Army Civilian, Dr. Peterson spent over 20 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Highlights of Dr. Peterson’s military career include time as a United Nations Observer with the United Nations Iraq Kuwait Observer Mission; Company Commander Uphold and Support Democracy, Haiti; Inspector-Instructor Marine Forces Reserve, and Fire Support Instructor, Fort Sill, OK.

Dr. Peterson is well traveled but claims Washington as his home. He has been active in the community as an adjunct faculty teaching Graduate level management and leadership courses; President of American Society of Military Comptrollers, Great Plains Chapter; and youth soccer coach. Dr. Peterson earned a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Peterson is married and has five children. Dr. Peterson’s hobbies include running, biking, weightlifting, cooking, and reading

Biography

BG Brian Wertzler enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard in 1989 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Kentucky Military Academy's OCS program in 1992 as a Field Artillery officer. Since then, he has held Command and Staff positions at the Battery, Battalion and Brigade level; as well as deployed to both Afghanistan (OEF) and Iraq (OIF). In April 2021 Governor Beshear appointed and MG Lamberton promoted BG Wertzler to his current position as the Deputy Adjutant General (Army). In March 2024 he was appointed by the Chief of National Guard Bureau to the dual-hat position of Deputy Commanding General (Field Artillery) at the Fires Center of Excellence in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Biography

BG Price received his commission in 1998 as a Distinguished Military Graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He served in the Florida Army National Guard (FLARNG) and deployed to Iraq as a Company Commander in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) II in 2004. He returned to the SCARNG in 2005 and later redeployed to Iraq as the 151st Signal Battalion S3 in support of OIF and Operation New Dawn. He served in various leadership roles while activated in response to State Active-Duty missions including multiple hurricanes, winter storms, and COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. His most recent operational assignment was in support of Operation Noble Eagle as the Joint Air Defense Operations Center Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) Task Force Bulldog Commander.

BG Price served as Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Company Commander for the 653 rd Signal Company (FLARNG); Telecom Officer and System Control Officer of the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade (SCARNG); S2/S3, 151st Signal Battalion (SCARNG); Battalion Commander, 5th Battalion (Signal) 218th Regiment (Leadership) SCARNG Regional Training Institute; Deputy Commander and Brigade Commander, 228 th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade in Spartanburg, SC. He served as the SCARNG JFHQ G6 (Deputy Chief of Staff for command, control, communications, cyber operations and networks) and 678 th ADA Brigade IADS Task Force Commander. Price currently serves as the 263d Army Air and Missile Defense Command Deputy Commanding General.

BG Price is a graduate of the US Army Signal Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Exercise Course, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the US Army Signal Battalion and US Army Brigade Commander Pre-Command Courses, the Army National Guard Training Institute Pre-Command Course, the Army Air Defense Artillery Transition Course, and is a Distinguished Graduate of the US Army War College.

BG Price's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air and Space Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (with Bronze Service Star), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (with Campaign Star), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M device), Overseas Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Services Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from The Citadel and is a Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow. He holds Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College in Carlisle PA.

BG Price is employed as a Department of the Navy Civil Servant and Senior Engineer by the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic in Charleston, SC. He is married to the former Paige Gibson of Memphis, TN, and they have two daughters, Faith Alexandrea and Brooke Katherine, and a son, Gibson Ryan.

Biography

Brigadier General Alric L. Francis was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Appalachian State University. He majored in English and was a graduate of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in 1995. Following graduation, he accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. BG Francis' initial assignment was with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas where he served as a Platoon Fire Direction Officer, Company Fire Support Officer, Platoon Leader and Battalion Intelligence Officer with 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.

In 1998, he deployed as a platoon leader to NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR 4) mission to Bosnia. In 2000, he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia. where he served as an Assistant Fire Support Coordinator (AFSCOORD) for the Division Headquarters (DIV HQ) and deployed to Bosnia with the DIV HQ as part of (SFOR 8/9). In March 2002, he was assigned to 1st Battalion 41st Field Artillery Regiment as the Battalion Operations Officer and then deployed in 2003 to Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he took command of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion 41st Field Artillery Regiment. In 2004, he took command of Alpha Battery 1st Battalion 76th Field Artillery Regiment and deployed in support of OIF 3.

In 2005, he took command of Delta Battery 1st Battalion 76th Field Artillery Regiment. In 2006, BG Francis was assigned to Human Resources Command (HRC) Alexandria, Virginia, where he served as the Field Artillery Branch Captains and Majors Assignments Officer. In 2008, BG Francis served in a fellowship at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2009, he joined the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, GA, where he served as the Brigade Fire Support Officer, Brigade Planner, Executive Officer 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery and Executive Officer, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Upon arrival to 3/3 ID, he deployed with the brigade headquarters to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the transition to Operation New Dawn.

In 2012, BG Francis was assigned as a Special Assistant to the Director Army Staff at the Pentagon. In 2013, BG Francis commanded the Field Artillery Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment and deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. In 2016, BG Francis served as a military assistant to the Secretary of the Army.

In 2018, BG Francis served as a Director for Defense Policy and Strategy as a member of the National Security Council, Executive Office of the President, The White House and subsequently Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY) at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In 2021, he served as the Executive Officer for the Army Vice Chief of Staff in the Pentagon and then as the Deputy Commanding General (Support) (DCG-S), then the Deputy Commanding General (Operations) (DCG-O) for the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Currently, he is the Commandant of the Field Artillery School and Chief of the Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (6th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), the Presidential Service Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge and the Combat Action Badge. Brigadier General Francis holds a M.A. degree from The United States Army War College

Biography

CW5 Rolando G. Rios entered active military service in 1986 to become a SOLDIER.

CW5 Rios has served in numerous assignments from the tactical to the operational and strategic levels. His military education includes all Warrant Officer PME, Joint Targeting School, Joint Firepower Course, Military Deception, and Special Technical Operations Planners Course. He earned a Master's Degree in Homeland Security and a Doctorate Degree in Global Security with American Military University.

CW5 Rios served as a Q36 Radar Section Leader, Brigade Targeting Officer, Division Counter-Fire Officer, Division Field Artillery Intelligence Officer, and Senior Targeting Officer at the Division, Corps, and Army level. He also served as the Warrant Officer Instruction Branch Course Manager before assuming the Chief Warrant Officer of the Field Artillery position.

CW5 Rios' combat deployments include Operation Just Cause (1989), Operation Enduring Freedom (December 2001-March 2002), Operation Iraqi Freedom I (March 2003-July 2004), Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 (September 2007-December 2008), Operation Iraqi Freedom 10-11 / Operation New Dawn (December 2009-December 2010), and Operation Enduring Freedom (May 2012-May 2013).

CW5 Rios' awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1OLC), Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1SilverOLC), Army Achievement Medal (1Silver/4BronzeOLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3Knots), National Defense Service Medal (1Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal

Biography

Coming Soon

Biography

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Robert W. Balch is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, entering the military February 4, 1998. He completed basic training at Ft Sill, Oklahoma and 14T- Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer Advanced Individual Training at Ft Bliss, Texas. After serving seven years as an enlisted Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer within Air Defense. He was selected to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School in 2006, graduating the Warrant Officer Basic Course in February 2007 where he was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty 140A C2 Systems Integrator.

CW5 Balch’s previous assignments include: Charlie Battery 5th Battalion 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Hanau, Germany as a Patriot Operator/Maintainer; Charlie Battery 2nd Battalion 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Ft. Bliss, Texas as a Launcher Section Sergeant; HHB 1st Battalion 44th Air and Missile Defense Composite Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas, as an Air Defense Systems Integrator; 1st Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado as the Training and Evaluations Officer; 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany as the Senior Interface Control Officer; Headquarters and Alpha Battery 2nd Battalion 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma as the 140A Warrant Officer Education System Chief and 140A Warrant Officer Basic Course Instructor/Manager;

CW5 Balch’s Awards and Decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Army Commendation Medal (6th), Army achievement Medal (8th award), Army good Conduct Medal (2 Knots), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2nd Award) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award).

CW5 Balch is currently assigned to Army Futures Command’s Air and Missile Defense Cross Functional Team at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a Technical Advisor. He has been married 21years to the former Victoria Oginski or Saratoga Springs, New York. They have two sons: Blake and Avery.

Biography

Colonel Glenn Henke serves as the 46th Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery, Chief of Air Defense Artillery, and Deputy Commanding Officer of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His prior assignment was as the Military Deputy Director, Joint Counter-sUAS Office (JCO) in the Pentagon.

Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, COL Henke entered active duty in 1997 after graduating from Seattle University. As a lieutenant, he served as an Avenger/Stinger platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division and aide to the XVIII Airborne Corps Chief of Staff. As a captain, he served in the 1st Infantry Division as Assistant S-3, Operations Officer for Task Force Falcon in Kosovo, battalion S-3, and battery commander in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Following battery command, COL Henke served with the TRADOC Capability Manager for Ballistic Missile Defense in Arlington, VA, the 82nd Airborne Division Chief of Future Plans in Afghanistan, battalion executive officer at Fort Bragg, and on a Joint Test in support of NORAD and USNORTHCOM.

COL Henke commanded 1-43 ADA at Fort Bliss, then served as G-3 for the 32d AAMDC. As a colonel, he served as the Missile Defense Division Chief for CFC & USKF, commanded the 35th ADA Brigade in South Korea, and served as the Deputy Commanding Officer for 32d AAMDC.

COL Henke holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Seattle University, a Master of Arts in International Security Studies from Kansas State University, a Master in Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a graduate of the ADA Officer Basic Course, the Armor Captains Career Course, CGSOC, SAMS, and the Army War College.

COL Henke’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, with campaign and service medals for Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and the Global War on Terror. COL Henke is a master rated parachutist and holds the Army Basic Space Badge.

COL Henke married Katherine Anselmo from Spokane, Washington, in 1997, and they have two teenage daughters

Biography

A native of Darby, Pennsylvania, CSM Macri enlisted into the Army in August 1996 as a 14S (Avenger Crewmember). He attended basic training at Fort Sill, OK and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss, TX.

CSM Macri served in every leadership position from Stinger/Avenger team chief to AAMDC Command Sergeant Major. His stateside assignments include Fort Hood, TX. Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Sill, OK. His overseas assignments include Germany, with deployments to Croatia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.

CSM Macri’s military education includes Basic Leadership Course, Advanced Leadership Course, Drill Sergeant School, Senior Leadership Course, Executive Leaders Course. Battle Staff Course, Military Transition Team Training Course, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Course, and the Master Resilience Trainer (MRT) Course. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), Class 66. CSM Macri’s civilian education includes an Associate’s degree in Applied Science and Technology from Central Texas College, a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business Management from Excelsior College, and a Masters of Art in Leadership and Management with and emphasis in Project Management from Webster University.

CSM Macri’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2nd award), Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4rd award), the Army Commendation Medal (6th award), the Army Achievement Medal (10th award), the Good Conduct Medal (6th award), the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Drill Sergeant Badge, and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (gold).

He is also a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. CSM Macri is married to Chandra (MSG retired) of Mt. Clemens, MI. They have one son, Deandre, who is currently in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University and studying meteorology.

Biography

As a lieutenant, he served as a Company Fire Support Officer, Battalion Maintenance Officer, and Battery Executive Officer, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Following the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, he served as Battalion Fire Support Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Bravo Battery Commander, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division. After command, COL Barefield served at the Joint Readiness Training Center as an Aviation Task Force Fire Support Observer Controller, Live Fire Observer Controller, and Field Artillery Battalion Executive Officer Observer Controller.

Following graduation from the Command and General Staff College, COL Barefield served as the Brigade Chief of Current Operations for 4th IBCT, 4th Infantry Division, Battalion Executive Officer 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery, and Brigade Executive Officer 4th IBCT, 4th Infantry. COL Barefield was next assigned to Joint Task Force North at Fort Bliss, Texas serving as a Mission Planner and Secretary of the Joint Staff.

COL Barefield assumed command of the 5th BN 25th Field Artillery, 3rd BDE 10th Mountain Division (LI) in 2014. After command, COL Barefield served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G3/5/7 for JRTC and Fort Polk.

Following graduation from the Army War College, COL Barefield served as the Director, Soldier Evaluation Directorate, Army Evaluation Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. COL Barefield commanded the 10th Mountain DIVARTY from 2020 through 2022. Once at Fort Sill, he served as the Assistant Field Artillery Commandant. In June 2023 he was assigned to his current position as the Chief of Staff of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill.

COL Barefield deployed in support of Operations in Bosnia, Iraq and three tours in Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. COL Barefield holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

COL Barefield is married and has two adult children

Biography

Col. Derek R. Baird graduated from Ferrum College in May 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and enlisted in the Army in 1997 as a research technician. He was selected for Officer Candidate School in June 2000 and was commissioned into the Field Artillery as a Second Lieutenant. Col. Baird served his company grade years at Fort Cavazos, TX with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. During this time, Col. Baird deployed two times to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following Battery Command, Col. Baird was selected as an Observer Controller Trainer at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. He spent the next two years coaching and mentoring 20 rotational units in fire support and field artillery operations. Upon completion of his tour at the NTC, Col. Baird attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. There he earned his Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. As a Major, Col. Baird served in the 3rd Infantry Division as the Deputy Chief of Fires and deployed with the 3ID Division HQ to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He then completed his time at the 3ID as the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery S3 and the 3ID DIVARTY S3. COL Baird’s next assignment took him to Muenster, Germany, where he served as the Joint Fire Support Officer for the 1st German-Netherlands Corps. Col. Baird was selected for Battalion Command of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, TX. During this time, he deployed his battalion to multiple European countries in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. After command, Col. Baird attended the Army War College, and was then assigned as the Assistant Field Artillery Commandant, Fort Sill, OK.

Col. Baird is married to Jolinda Baird

Biography

CSM William M. Pearson is a native of Red Hook, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2000 and completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma as a Fire Support Specialist.

CSM Pearson's previous assignments include: Fire Support Specialist, 2nd BN, 319th PFAR, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC; Operations Sergeant, Ground Liaison Officer, and Battalion FSNCO, 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment and 1-4 IN; Security Forces Assistance Team Sergeant (SFAT), Brigade Fire Support NCO, and FECC OPS NCO, 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division; Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC), JTAC Program Manager, and Battalion Operations Sergeant, 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) Eglin AFB, FL; First Sergeant Charlie Battery 2nd Battalion 8th FAR, Ft. Wainwright AK and First Sergeant Headquarters Headquarters Battery 2nd B.N. 8th FAR; Division Fires SGM, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS, and Battalion CSM, 1-94 FAR JBLM, WA.

CSM Pearson's first deployment was as a Forward Observer with Delta Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment. He then proceeded to Germany, where he served with the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, where he fell into a myriad of roles to include Operations Sergeant and Ground Liaison Officer. While there, he deployed several times to Qatar and Afghanistan to the Combined Air Operations Center and a Battalion FSNCO with the 1-4 IN out of Hohenfels, Germany. He returned to the 82nd ABN DIV as the Team Sergeant for an SFAT in support of 4th BCT, 82nd ABN to Zhari, Afghanistan. CSM Pearson then became the 4th BDE FSNCO. CSM Pearson was then selected for Special Operations Terminal Attack Control Course (SOTACC) and proceeded to Eglin AFB, FL. While in Florida, CSM Pearson became a JTAC and JTAC Program Manager for 2nd BN, 7th SFG(A) and deployed several times across SE Asia and other locations. In 2017, CSM Pearson would assume his First Sergeant role with 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment. While in Fort Wainwright, CSM Pearson was the First Sergeant for Charlie Battery and Headquarter Headquarters Battery. In 2019 CSM Pearson was selected to attend USASMA Class 70 and would proceed to Fort Riley, Kansas, to serve as the DIV Fires SGM.

Most recently CSM Pearson was the CSM for 1-94 FAR on JBLM. Throughout his 22-year career, CSM Pearson has worked in many diverse positions across the Fires Spectrum, from Light Infantry, Theater level operations, Special Operations, and Stryker operations.

His education includes all levels of military professional development, Airborne, Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems, Joint Air Operations Staff, Military Security Advisor Course, Battle Staff, Pashto Language, Precision Fires Suite, Switchblade, and Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller.

His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Workforce Development from CGSC and a Master’s in Global Security from Arizona State University. He is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in World War II Studies from Arizona State University.

CSM Pearson is married to his beautiful wife Tamara Pearson and has two amazing daughters Kiera and Kenzie.

Biography

CW5 Pressley was appointed warrant officer one, through the Warrant Officers Candidates Course at Fort Rucker Alabama in 1999 and promoted to chief Warrant officer two and commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 2001 at Fort Drum, NY. CW5 Pressley's previous served as the senior targeting officer in the Theater Fires Element, United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC), Prior to that he served as the Chief Warrant Officer of the Field Artillery Branch. Throughout his career, CW5 Pressley has served in a variety of positions at the tactical, operational and strategic level.

• Present: Command Chief Warrant Officer, Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill OK
• March 2022-September 2024: Senior Targeting Officer, United States Army Pacific Command, Fort Shafter, H
• July 2018-March 2022: Chief Warrant Officer of the Field Artillery, Course Manager Warrant Officer Instruction Branch, Fort Sill, OK
• July 2016 - March 2018: Senior Targeting Officer, Americas First Corps, Joint Base Lewis McCord, WA
• June 2014 -June 2016: Chief of Dynamic Fires, Joint Fires Element (J35), HQ United Sates Indo Pacific Command, Camp Smith, HI
• July 2013 -June 2016: Senior Targeting Officer United States Army Pacific Command, Fort Shafter, HI
• July 2010 - July 2013: Senior Targeting Officer, 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Shaw AFB, SC & Combined Air Operations Center, Qatar
• December 2007- July 2010: Observer / Controller, OPS Group, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA
• October 2003 - December 2007: Q37 Radar Section Leader, D/1-33 FA, Bamberg GE, (OIF), 2-1 ID Targeting Officer, Schweinfurt GE, (OIF)
• January 2000 - October 2003: Q37 Radar Section Leader, 10th Target Acquisition Detachment, Q36 Radar Section Leader, 2-15 FAR, 2-10 MTN BDE Targeting Officer, Fort Drum, NY. (OIF)

Military Education: Warrant Officer PME Complete, Joint Targeting Staff Course, Joint Air Operations C2 Course, Joint Fire Power Course, Joint Operational Fires and Effects Course, Collateral Damage Estimation Course, Target Mensuration Only Course, Basic Airborne, Air Assaul

Civilian Education: Master Degree - Human Resource / Executive Leadership