Leaders

Biography

Major General Ken Kamper is the Commanding General of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. MG Ken Kamper commissioned as an Artillery Officer in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point. His military education includes a Bachelor of Science from the U.S Military Academy, a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

MG Kamper has commanded at the Battery, Battalion, and Brigade level as well as the Operational Test Command. Most recently he served as the Deputy Commanding General for the III Armored Corps at Fort Hood, Texas

His past assignments include: 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army; 82nd Airborne Division; 1stBattalion, 508th Airborne Battalion Combat Team; 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment (Automatic), a part of 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment (Red Lions) in 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; 17th Fires Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, I Corps; 1st Infantry Division; 4th Infantry Division, and III Corps.

MG Kamper’s combat and operational experience include deployments to OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM from 2003-2005 and 2006-2008, OPERATION ATLANTIC RESOLVE, and OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE from 2014-2015 and 2017-2018.

MG Kamper’s Awards and decorations include: Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.

Biography

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Stephen A. Burnley assumed his duties as the Air Defense Artillery Regimental Command Sergeant Major on 14 December 2018. He has held a variety of positions in airborne and air defense artillery units throughout his career, ranging from a stinger gunner to command sergeant major.

CSM Burnley is from Alexandria, Virginia and entered the United States Army in February 1993. He attended Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss, Texas graduating as a 14S Avenger Crewmember. His previous assignments include the following: CSM 32D Army Air and Missile Defense, Fort Bliss, Texas; CSM 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Kaiserslautern, Germany; CSM, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany; Operations Sergeant Major, 4th Battalion 3rd Air Defense Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Senior Enlisted Advisor, 8th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team (47433), MNF-S; First Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (Airborne); First Sergeant, Detachment 3, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Space and Missile Defense Command, Shariki, Japan; First Sergeant, Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion (Airborne) 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (ADAR), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Platoon Sergeant, Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion (Airborne) 4th ADAR; Officer Basic Course Instructor, 4th Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss, Texas; Operations Sergeant and Observer Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center (Airborne), Fort Polk, Louisiana; Stinger Section Sergeant and Team Chief, Delta Battery, 3rd Battalion (Airborne) 4th ADAR, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Avenger Crewmember, 5th Battalion 5th Air Defense Artillery, Camp Stanton, South Korea.

CSM Burnley has completed numerous military schools and courses including Cheju-do Rappelling and Mountaineering, Jungle Operations, Jumpmaster, Combatives, Joint Firepower, Battle Staff, Army Force Management, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, and the Advanced Military Transition Team Courses. He has completed all levels of the Non Commissioned Officers Education System and is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class #61 (Resident) and the Executive Leader Course. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 Silver and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award (1OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal (w/Bronze Star), Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (w/Numeral 5), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Master Parachutist’s Badge, British Royal Parachutists Badge, and is a member of the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.

CSM Burnley is married to Victoria, and they have two daughters.

Biography

Mr. Joe E. Gallagher was selected for the Senior Executive Service in November 2009. Mr. Joe Gallagher was appointed as the Deputy to the Commanding General, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, effective 16 January 2013. In this capacity, Mr. Gallagher works in collaboration with and under the general direction of 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. Mr. Gallagher has full responsibility to direct the action of the Center's 3300 military and civilian personnel, technical and managerial efforts and the 130 million dollar annual operating budget. He provides direct supervision to the Center's 700 military and civilian workforce engaged in Force Management and the development of capabilities, concepts, doctrine, organizations, materiel, leader education, personnel, and facilities. Additionally, he serves as the Commander's principal advisor and the Center's senior expert in force management, joint capabilities integration and development system, requirements determination, and material acquisition.

Biography

Brigadier General Bryan Grenon is a native of Tacoma, Washington. He is a graduate of Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and received his commission as a Field Artillery officer in 1989. He currently serves with the Washington Army National Guard. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Western Washington University, Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

Brigadier General Grenon’s military education includes the Filed Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff Officer’s Course, Field Artillery Pre-Command Course, Army War College, Senior Service Seminar, and Joint Task Force and Dual Status Commanders Qualification Course.

Brigadier General Grenon’s military career began in 1990 and has served in the following assignments: Platoon Leader, Company/Battalion/Brigade Fire Support officer, Battery Commander, Battalion S3, Battalion Executive Officer, Brigade Fire Support Coordinator, Field Artillery Battalion Commander, and Brigade Commander for 81st Armor Brigade Combat Team which transitioned during his command into the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat team He has served in numerous staff positions throughout his career and commanded at all levels through Brigade. BG Grenon completed two tours in support of operations in Southwest Asia. In 2003-2005, he deployed to Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Battalion Executive officer, 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment, 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team. In 2008-2009, he served as Fire Support Coordinator, 81st Armor Brigade Combat Team, United States Forces, Iraq, assigned to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. His General Officer assignments include Deputy Commanding General -Mobilization at JBLM for 1st Army Division West. BG Grenon concurrently serves as the Land Component Commander, Washington Army National Guard, headquartered in Camp Murray, Washington.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal. National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon. Brigadier General Grenon is a Captain Precinct Commander with the Seattle Police Department and resides in Puyallup, Washington with his wife Monica.

Biography

Brigadier General Thomas E. Moore II is the Assistant Adjutant General for Army, Ohio National Guard, and also serves as the Commander, Ohio Army National Guard. BG Moore assumed these duties on September 1, 2020 and is responsible for establishing policies, priorities, and oversight for the readiness of approximately 11,500 Soldiers.

Brigadier General Moore enlisted in the active component in 1990 as an administrative specialist. He was commissioned in August of 1994. He has served in various command and staff assignments from the company to the combatant command level. In 2018 upon return from the National Capital Region he assumed command of the 174th ADA Brigade with a deployment of the Brigade Headquarters to Germany in support of the European Deterrence Initiative. He has four previous deployments; Commander TF Guthrie Greys – National Capital Region, US Commander of the Operational Mentorship Liaison Team - Afghanistan, Operations Officer of 2-174th Air Defense Battalion - National Capital Region and Battery Commander - Operation Iraqi Freedom. He resides in Cumberland Ohio with his wife Nikki. They have two sons and two granddaughters.

• 1995 Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, Fort Bliss, TX
• 1999 Air Defense Artillery Officer Advance Course, Ft Bliss, TX
• 2004 Combined Arms Staff Services School, Ft Leavenworth, KS
• 2009 Command and General Staff College, Ft Dix, NJ
• 2015 Senior Service College (Resident), Carlisle Barracks, PA

Biography

Brigadier General Andy Preston, a native of Edmond, Oklahoma, was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer through Officer Candidate School in 1992, after enlisting as an 11B in 1990. He began his commissioned career as a Company Fire Support Officer in 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute

Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Battery Fire Direction Officer and Executive Officer in 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, followed by Aide-de-Camp to the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery Commanding General. After his time at Fort Bragg, he was assigned to the 214th Field Artillery Brigade as Assistant Brigade S3 before commanding both C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 214th Field Artillery Brigade.

After departing Fort Sill, BG Preston served as a Harvard/ DCSOPS Fellow first in Cambridge, Massachusetts then as a Strategic Plans Officer in DAMO-SSW (War Plans Division), Army G3. Following schooling at Fort Leavenworth, he began a series of assignments in the Pacific to include 25th ID Plans Officer (CJTF-76, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM), Battalion Executive Officer in 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, Executive Officer for 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM), and Contingency Plans Officer in J35, United States Pacific Command.

BG Preston then returned to the 25th ID as Commander 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery (OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN) and Division G3 (Rear). He then departed Hawaii and assumed command of the 214th Fires Brigade and 4th Division Artillery. In 2015, he returned to Hawaii as the 25th ID Chief of Staff, prior to transitioning to the Pentagon as Director for the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Coordination Group. Returning to Hawaii in 2018, he served as the Deputy Commanding General (Support) for the 25th Infantry Division; the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, United States Army Pacific; and his last assignment as the Chief of Staff, United States Army Pacific.

His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University, and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He also attended a Senior Service College Fellowship at the Scowcroft Institute, Texas A&M University.

BG Preston has been happily married for 30 years to his wife Gina. They have two adult daughters, one granddaughter, and another one on the way.

Biography

CSM Michael McMurdy entered the Army on 14 Aug 1996 as a 13B Cannon Crewmember where he attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

His initial assignment was to 3-320th Field Artillery Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), where he served as Advanced Party, Ammunition Team Chief, Gunner, and Section Chief. He deployed to Kosovo in 2000 in support of 1-187th IN, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004.

Upon redeployment he served as a Drill Sergeant and Senior Drill Sergeant at Fort Sill, OK with 1-40th Field Artillery Battalion from 2004-2006. He was then assigned to 3-17th Field Artillery, Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2007-2013. During that time he served as a Platoon Sergeant, Firing and Headquarters Battery 1SG, Operations Sergeant Major for 2-1 IN, and interim Battalion Command Sergeant Major for 2-17th Field Artillery Battalion, all within 5-2 SBCT and 2-2 SBCT. This assignment included deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2009-2010 and 2012.

CSM McMurdy attended the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 64 at Fort Bliss Texas from 2013-2014, and after graduation was assigned as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for 1-320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) from 2015-2016. He was then selected to serve as the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major from 2016-2018 and the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade Command Sergeant Major from 2018-2020 at Fort Carson.

Currently, CSM McMurdy is serving as the 14th United States Army Field Artillery School Command Sergeant Major.

He completed his AA Degree from Thomas Edison University, and BA in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star for Valor, Ranger Tab, Combat Action and Air Assault Badges, Field Artillery Master Gunner and Drill Sergeant Identification Badges, Ancient order of Saint Barbara and was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

He is married to Mrs. Beth McMurdy, and they have two children, Baylee and Major.

Biography

Brigadier General Richard A. Harrison assumed responsibility as the 44th Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School and as the Chief of Air Defense Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on Aug. 20, 2020. His prior assignment was the Executive Officer to the Commanding General of UNC/CFC/USFK. A native of North Carolina, BG Harrison was commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in 1994 from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in Elizabeth City, NC. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from ECSU, a Master of Arts in Policy Management from Georgetown University, and a Master of Science in Strategic Military Studies from the United States Army War College.

BG Harrison’s military education includes the ADA Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC), and the United States Army War College (USAWC).

BG Harrison’s first duty station was Fort Campbell, KY, where he served as an Avenger/Stinger Platoon Leader and Battery Executive Officer in 2-44 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) from April 1995 to May 1998. He later served at Schofield Barracks, HI as the Deputy Assistant Division Air Defense Officer for the 25th ID (Light), Battalion S-1/Adjutant and Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1-62 ADA from December 1998 to December 2001. He later assumed command of Charlie Battery, 1-62 ADA, in Fort Lewis, Washington, from February 2002 to March 2003.

BG Harrison served as an Army Intern in the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Defense from May 2003 to May 2004. And from May 2004 to June 2006, he served as a Strategic Planner and Executive Officer for the Army Initiatives Group in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7. Also during this time, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) serving in numerous positions at the headquarters for Military Transition Teams in Iraq.

Upon graduation from Georgetown University, BG Harrison was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC and served as the Executive Officer for 3-4 Air Defense Artillery Regiment (ADAR) from June 2007 to June 2009. After graduating from CGSC, he returned to Fort Bragg and served as the Deputy Commanding Officer for the 108th ADA Brigade and later the Battalion Commander for 3-4 ADAR from June 2010 to May 2013. He deployed with elements of his battalion to the CENTCOM AOR in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Following graduation from the U.S. Army War College, BG Harrison deployed to Doha, Qatar, where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 (Forward) for the 32d Army Air Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) from June 2014 to March 2015 in support of OEF.

BG Harrison commanded the 69th ADA Brigade at Fort Hood, TX, from June 2015 to June 2017. While serving in brigade command, BG Harrison deployed with elements of his brigade to the CENTCOM AOR in support of OEF. In June 2017, BG Harrison relinquished command and was immediately assigned to the Joint Staff, Pentagon. During his tenure on the Joint Staff, BG Harrison served as the Division Chief for the Protection Division, Joint Staff J-3 and later as the Executive Assistant/Executive Officer to the Joint Staff J-3 from June 2017 to June 2019.

His military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (1 OLC), the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, the Korean Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (w/ numeral 4), the Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, the Joint Staff Identification Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and German and Uruguayan Airborne Wings.

BG Harrison is married to the former Tyra Jones of Navassa, North Carolina and they have three children, Aliyah (23), Alexa (19), and Collin (14)

Biography

CSM Randy B. Gray was born in Newberry, South Carolina and graduated from Newberry High School in 1991. He enlisted into the United States Army for active duty on Jan 5, 1994, as a 14S Stinger MANPADS Crewmember completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC, and Advance Individual Training at Fort Bliss, TX.

CSM Gray’s duty positions and assignments include Stinger Crewmember, 5-5 ADA Camp Stanton, Korea; Avenger Team Chief, 5-2 ADA Bamberg, Germany; Stinger Section Sergeant and BDE S2 NCOIC, 172nd Infantry Brigade (Separate) Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Avenger Platoon Sergeant, 3-62 ADA Fort Drum, New York; ANCOC SGL, ANCOC Senior SGL, and Operations Chief at the NCO Academy Fort Bliss, Texas; 1SG C Battery and HHB 3-4 ADAR Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Brigade Master Evaluator and 1SG HHB 108th ADA BDE Fort Bragg, North Carolina; ADA Branch SGM HRC Fort Knox, Kentucky; Battalion Command Sergeant Major 2-44 ADAR Fort Campbell, Kentucky; BDE Operations SGM 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) Sustainment BDE Fort Campbell, Kentucky and 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Command Sergeant Major at Fort Sill, OK. His operational and overseas assignments include Turkey, Operation Joint Endeavor (Hungary), Operation Joint Guard (Croatia), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (Afghanistan) and Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq).

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, seven Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara and several service awards. He is a graduate of numerous professional development courses to include: Basic Leaders Course, Advance Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Small Group Instructor Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, Equal Opportunity Course, First Sergeant Course, and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 63 at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is also a Graduate of the University of Maryland (University College) with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management.

CSM Gray is currently serving as the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School Command Sergeant Major at Fort Sill, OK. He is the father of four children and has three grandchildren.

Biography

Colonel Michael J. Kimball is a 1996 graduate of the University of Arkansas and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. His first assignment was as a Company Fire Support Officer for Alpha Co, 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry, 2nd BDE, 10th Mountain Division, Ft. Drum, NY. He then served as a battery Fire Direction Officer and Executive Officer in B/2-15 Field Artillery Regiment. COL Kimball’s final assignment at Fort Drum was as Assistant S3, 2-15 FAR.

From 2001 to 2002, COL Kimball served as the Adjutant in 2-17th Field Artillery BN, Camp Hovey, Republic of Korea (ROK). From 2002 to 2005, he served as a BN Fire Support Officer, 1st BN 327th Infantry Regiment, Commander C Battery, 2-320th Field Artillery BN, and Commander HHC, 1st Infantry Brigade, 101st Air Airborne Division (Air Assault), Ft. Campbell, KY.

From 2005-2008, COL Kimball served as an Observer, Controller, Trainer (OC/T) at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Ft Polk, LA. In 2009, he graduated from the Command and General Staff College and was re-assigned to Ft. Polk, LA this time serving with the 4th BCT, 10th Mountain Division. COL Kimball served as the Battalion Operations Officer for 5th BN 25th Field Artillery Regiment, the BCT Fire Support Officer, and the BCT Executive Officer.

In 2012, COL Kimball was assigned to the Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington DC where he served as an Action Officer in the J33, Deputy Director of Regional Operations (DDRO), AFRICOM desk. In 2014, COL Kimball took command of 1st BN, 15th Field Artillery, 1st BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Republic of Korea (ROK). After relinquishing command, COL Kimball served for the CDR, UNC/CFC/USFK in the Commander’s Initiative Group.

COL Kimball attended the U.S. Army War College from August 2016 to June 2017 at Carlisle Barracks, PA. From July of 2017 to May of 2018, COL Kimball served as the Senior Fires Trainer, at the National Training Center (NTC), Ft. Irwin, CA. From June 2018 to July 2019, COL Kimball served as the Director, G3/5/7 of FCOE and Ft. Sill. From August 2019 to July 2021 he served as the Director of the Army Capability Manager Fires Cell-Targeting. He is currently the Fires Center of Excellence and Ft. Sill’s Chief of Staff .

COL Kimball is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Airborne School, the U.S Army Air Assault School, the U.S. Army Ranger School, the Joint Firepower Control Course, the U.S. Army Jumpmaster Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He has a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

COL Kimball is married to the former Melissa Forney of St. Louis, MO and has four children, Nora (25), Cameron (21), Alareese (12) and Clayton (7).

Biography

Colonel Rhett A. Taylor enlisted in the Indiana National Guard in 1991. He received his commission as a Field Artillery Officer in 1997 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) upon his graduation from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. His first duty station was Vilseck and Bamberg, Germany, serving in the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment (1st Infantry Division) as a company fire support officer, platoon fire direction officer (Kosovo), platoon leader, and battalion logistics officer from 1998-2001. Following the field artillery advanced course he remained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he was assigned to the 214th Field Artillery Brigade. There he served as the brigade fire control officer and deployed in support of the initial invasion of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He then commanded Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment from 2003- 2005.

Upon completion of command, COL Taylor, was assigned to 205th Infantry Brigade, Camp Atterbury, Indiana. There he served as an observer-trainer and operations officer in 2nd Battalion, 335th Infantry and a brigade plans officer. He then deployed as part of a Military Transition Team to Mosul, Iraq where he served as an operations officer advisor to an Iraqi Brigade from 2007-2008.

Following Command and General Staff College he was assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. There he served as the Battalion Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment. He later served as the brigade fire support coordinator during the brigade’s deployment to Kandahar City, Afghanistan as part of Regional Command – South, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011-2012. In 2012, COL Taylor reported to Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he served as a fires observer, coach, trainer and senior fires warfighting function chief.

From July 2015 to July 2017 COL Taylor command 2-289 Infantry Regiment at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The regiment was responsible for the training and mentoring of 12 National Guard battalions that resided within a six-state region. Following battalion command COL Taylor served as a planner in the Commander’s Initiative Group for the Command General of Training and Doctrine Command; Fort Eustis, Virginia. Upon graduation from the Army War College, COL Taylor assumed duties as the Director, G-3/5/7 Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill.

COL Taylor’s decorations include the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal with three OLC, Army Commendation Medal with three OLC, Army Achievement Medal with three OLC, Valorous Unit Award, and Combat Action Badge. He is a graduate of the Airborne and Air Assault Courses.

He is married to the former Ms. Amy Heckelmoser.

Biography

Command Sergeant Major Russell R. Blackwell originally hails from Turtletown, TN. He graduated from Copper Basin High School in Copperhill, TN, in May 1996. He entered the Army in July of that same year at Fort Sill, OK, and completed initial entry training in the Field Artillery.

CSM Blackwell has held every leadership position from Platoon Forward Observer to Command Sergeant Major. His stateside assignments include Fort Sill, OK; Fort Stewart, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Bliss, TX; and Fort Drum, NY. His overseas assignments include two tours in the Republic of Korea and Schofield Barracks, HI. He as deployed twice with the 82nd Airborne Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, and the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. On 4 October 2019, CSM Blackwell assumed responsibility as the Garrison Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Sill.

CSM Blackwell’s military schools include all levels of the NCOPDS system culminating with the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 67. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, Air Assault School, the Recruiter Course, the Master Resiliency Course, the Battle Staff Course, the Battalion Pre-Command Course, the Garrison Pre-Command Course, and the Brigade Pre-Command Course. His college education includes a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) in Political Science and Public Administration from Troy University and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Security from the University of North Georgia.

CSM Blackwell’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (five Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (four Oak Leaf Clusters), the Good Conduct Medal (seventh award), the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal (two bronze stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (number 5), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Services Ribbon (number 5), the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Superior Unit Award, Senior Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Gold Recruiter Badge (3rd Sapphire), the German Parachutist Badge, the Royal Thailand Army Parachutist Badge, and the Driver’s Bade (W). He is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.

CSM Blackwell is married to Mrs. LaFleur Blackwell. He has two daughters, Kayla and Raegan.