Leaders

Biography

MG Wilson A. Shoffner graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations. He holds a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the School of Advanced Military Studies and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

MG Shoffner’s command experience includes: B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, and the 18th Fires Brigade. Operational deployments include: Saudi Arabia and Iraq during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and Afghanistan in 2003 as the Chief of Plans, 82d Airborne Division during Operation Enduring Freedom. As a Battalion Commander, he deployed to New Orleans in 2005 as part of Joint Task Force Katrina, and in 2007 deployed to Baghdad, Iraq where 2-319th was employed as a maneuver task force as part of the “surge” during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

From 2003-2005, MG Shoffner served as the Deputy Chief of Plans for the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, then located in Rheindalen, Germany. As a Colonel, he served as the Army’s liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives. General Officer assignments include: Deputy Commanding General-Support, 1st Armored Division, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Deputy Chief of Staff-Communications, NATO Resolute Support Mission Afghanistan. He most recently served on the Army Staff in the Pentagon as Director, Army Talent Management Task Force, and Director of Operations, Army Rapid Capabilities Office.

MG Shoffner’s awards and decorations include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3), Bronze Star Medal (1), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, GWOT Service Medal, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Kuwait Liberation Medals, and the Master Parachutist Badge.

MG Shoffner is married to the former Carron Charney of Lansing, MI and has one daughter, Kristin.

Biography

Command Sergeant Major Foley is a native of Panama City, FL and graduated from Niceville High School in 1989. He enlisted in the United States Army on 12 July 1989 as a 16T, Patriot Missile Crewmember, and attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss, TX. CSM Foley graduated from Trident University International with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Human Resources) and an Associates of Applied Science in Administrative Management.

CSM Foley recently served as Command Sergeant Major, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI from May 2016-Jun 2018. His other Command Sergeant Major assignments include: Brigade Command Sergeant Major, 188th Infantry Brigade, Fort Stewart, GA (Aug 15-May16); Brigade Command Sergeant Major, 108th ADA Bde, Fort Bragg, NC (Aug 13-Jul 15); and Battalion Command Sergeant Major, 2-1 ADA, Camp Carroll, Korea (Jul 09-Jul 13). He also served as G3 Operations Sergeant Major, 94th AAMDC, Fort Shafter, HI (Jun 08-Jul 09). CSM Foley’s military education include all levels of NCOPDS, First Sergeant’s Course, Army Recruiter Course, Instructor Training Course, Small Group Instructor Training Course, Unit Movement Officer Course, Air Load Planners Course, AMC Equipment Preparation Course, Defense Hazmat Packaging and Technical Transport Course, Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Officer Level II Basic and Advance Courses, Basic Airborne Course, Army Space Cadre Basic Course, and the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy-Class 58, the Battalion and Brigade Pre-Command/CSM Courses; Sergeants Major Executive Force Management Course; Nominative Leader Course and the Command Senior Enlisted Leader Keystone Course at National Defense University.

CSM Foley’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (3), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (6), Good Conduct Medal (9), National Defense Service Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (BSS), Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (6), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (9), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Gold Army Recruiter Badge (2 Sapphire Stars), Basic Parachutist Badge, Army Senior Space Badge.

He is a member of the Honorable and Ancient Order of Saint Barbara as well as the USAREUR Sergeant Morales and FORSCOM Sergeant Audie Murphy Clubs.

He is married to Dr. Ella Foley and have 6 children and 2 grandchildren.

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 Russ Johnson is a native of Fargo, North Dakota. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Mechanization and received his commission in 1987. He has served with the Minnesota, North Dakota and Idaho Army National Guard. He holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from the University of Idaho and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff Officer’s Course, and the Army War College.

Brigadier General Johnson’s military career began in 1981 as an enlisted member of the United States Marine Corps and served as a Fuel and Electrical Systems Technician on ground combat vehicles. He has served in numerous staff positions throughout his career and commanded at all levels through Brigade. BG Johnson completed two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2004-2005, he deployed to north-central Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commander, 1st Battalion, 148th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Cavalry Brigade, under the command of the 42nd Infantry Division. In 2010-2011, he served as Commander, 1-148 Field Artillery Rear Area Operations Center, United States Forces, Iraq, assigned to the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. BG Johnson concurrently serves as the Land Component Commander, Idaho Army National Guard, headquartered in Boise, Idaho.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), the Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award), the Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), and the Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award). Additionally, BG Johnson was awarded the Naval Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Brigadier General Johnson and his wife, Lori reside in Nampa, Idaho.

Biography

Brig. Gen. Frank M. Rice is a native of South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in science. He graduated from the Palmetto Military Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He also holds a Master of military science from the U.S. Army War College.

Brig. Gen. Rice’s military education includes the Signal Officer Basic Course and Advance Courses, Reserve Component Signal Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, US Army War College, Air Defense Artillery Officer Reclassification Course, Joint Air Defense Tactical Director Certification Course, Pre-command Course, Joint Firepower Course, and Joint Task Force and Dual Status Commander Qualification Courses.

BG Rice started his military career in 1987 and has served in the following capacities: Audio Visual Operations Officer, Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Company Commander, Battalion S-3, Battalion Executive Officer, Intelligence Officer, Battalion Commander, G6 Assistant Chief of Staff AAMDC, Chief of Staff 263rd AAMDC, Commander 678th Air Defense Brigade, and Deputy CG for the 263d AAMDC. He now serves as Army National Guard Deputy Commanding General (ADA) at the Fires Center of Excellence.

BG Rice’s decorations and awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Biography

Brigadier General Stephen G. Smith is a native of Atlanta, GA, and a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where he received his commission in 1991 as a Field Artillery officer.

BG Smith’s first assignment was as a Fire Direction Officer and Platoon Leader in Korea, followed by service as Company Fire Support Officer, Battery Executive Officer, and Battalion S1 in the 82d Airborne Division.

He was then assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, where he deployed to Hungary in support of Operation Joint Guardian and later assumed command of Bravo Battery, 25th Field Artillery.

BG Smith returned to the 82d Airborne Division and deployed to Afghanistan as the Coalition Task Force 82d Airborne Division Fire Support Coordinator and to Iraq as the Fire Support Officer for 2d Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 82d Airborne Division. He later served as a Battalion S3 and Executive Officer for the 82d Airborne Division Artillery, where he deployed in support of Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. BG Smith then served as the Brigade Executive Officer for the 4th BCT, 82d Airborne Division.

BG Smith commanded and deployed to Afghanistan with the 2d Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th BCT, 25th Infantry Division. He also commanded the 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 82d Airborne Division.

Following command, BG Smith served as the Chief of Staff for the XVIII Airborne Corps, and as the Director of Operations for Iraq and Syria as a member of the Coalition Joint Task Force- Operation Inherent Resolve.

BG Smith’s other assignments include Fire Support Trainer with the 2-114th Field Artillery, Mississippi Army National Guard, Special Assistant to the Commander, USJFCOM, the Army’s Senior Leader Division (Colonel’s Management), and service as an Army War College Fellow.

His General Officer assignments include Deputy Commanding General (Support) of the 1st Infantry Division, and his current assignment as the Commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery School.

BG Smith holds a Master’s Degree from Mississippi State University, and is a graduate of the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Senior Service College, and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is authorized the Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.

Biography

Command Sergeant Major Kevin M. King is a native of Saint. Albans, Vermont. He entered military service in May 1993 as a Field Artillery Cannon Crewman with Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill Oklahoma and was awarded the 13 Bravo MOS.

CSM King has held a variety of duty positions to include; Cannoneer, Gunner, Ammunition Team Chief, Section Chief, Basic Combat Training Drill Sergeant, Assistant Operations Sergeant, Schools NCO, Air NCO, Gunnery Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Master Gunner, Firing Battery First Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery First Sergeant, Senior Military Science Instructor, Brigade Rear Detachment Operations Sergeant Major, Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Fort Wainwright AK, Garrison Command Sergeant Major, 174th Infantry Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Command Sergeant Major United States Army Field Artillery School, and Field Artillery Command Sergeant Major.

His overseas assignments and combat tours include; Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 8th Field Artillery Schofield Barrack’s Hawaii, 4th Battalion 11th Field Artillery Ft. Wainwright AK, 2nd Battalion 8th Field Artillery Ft. Wainwright AK, U.S. Army Garrison Installation Management Command Ft. Wainwright Alaska, Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07 and 08-09, and Operation Enduring Freedom 14-15. CSM King’s stateside assignments include; Alpha Battery 1st Battalion 321st (Airborne) Ft.Bragg NC, Bravo Battery 2nd Battalion 13th Infantry Regiment Ft. Jackson SC, 7th Brigade Cadet Command Central Michigan University ROTC, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) Ft. Bliss TX, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Light), 4th Infantry Division Ft. Carson CO, and 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Light) 4th Infantry Division Ft. Carson CO, 174th Infantry Brigade (CATB) First Army Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, United States Army Field Artillery School, Fires Center of Excellence (FCOE), Fort Sill OK.

CSM King’s wards include; Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (w/ 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (w/ 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster), Valorous Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/bronze star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/ 1 Campaign Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (w/ 4 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, The Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon (Numeral 5), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 7), North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (NATO), Combat Action Badge, Airborne Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Drill Sergeant Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Silver), and Danish Contingent March Medal.

CSM King holds an Associate Degree in Business Management from North Country Community College, Bachelors of Implied Management from Grand Canyon University, and a Masters in Leadership Development from the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP). His military education includes Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, First Sergeants Course, USASMA Sergeants Major Course (Class#62), Summit Course #9 (JSOU Nominative Course), Battle Staff Course, Drill Sergeant School, Master Fitness Training Course, Airborne Training, Air Assault Course, Field Artillery Maintenance Course, Combat Lifesaver Course.

CSM King is a recipient of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, Saint George and a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

CSM King is married to the former Karisa Thompson of Fairbanks AK; and has two children Kaden, 13yrs old and Ashlyn, 19yrs old.

Biography

Brigadier General Brian W. Gibson entered the active Army in 1992 after graduating from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and receiving a commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He also holds a Master of Arts degree from Webster University in Computer Resources and Information Management and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Army War College.

His military education includes: the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, Air Defense Officer Advance Course, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and U.S. Army War College. Following commissioning he served in the following key assignments: Platoon Leader and Battalion Master Gunner, 6th Battalion (Patriot), 43rd Air Defense Artillery, Ansbach, Germany and Operation Southern Watch, Saudi Arabia; Assistant Brigade Operations Officer (S-3), 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany, and Operation Joint Endeavor, Hungary; Commander, A Battery, 6th Battalion (Patriot), 52nd Air Defense Artillery, Ansbach, Germany, Operation Southern Watch, Saudi Arabia, and Operation Northern Watch, Turkey; Operations Research Analyst, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, 6th Recruiting Brigade, Las Vegas, NV; Operations Officer (S-3), 1st Battalion (Patriot), 7th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss, TX; Operations Officer (S-3), 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, TX and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq; Chief of Concepts, United States Army Air Defense Artillery Director of Combat Developments, Fort Bliss, TX; Secretary of the General Staff, United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Alexandria, VA; Patriot / MEADS Team Chief, Headquarters Department of the Army, Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8), Pentagon, Washington, DC; 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command’s (AAMDC) senior forward representative in the CENTCOM AOR, Deputy Commander, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Hood, TX; Commander, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Hood, TX; Global Force Management Division Chief, Deputy Director of Regional Operations, Joint Staff Operations Directorate (J-3), Pentagon, Washington, DC. BG Gibson assumed responsibility as the 42nd Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School and as the Chief of Air Defense Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma on 26 July 2018.

BG Gibson’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Meritorious Service Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon 2nd Award, NATO Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. He has also been awarded the Joint Staff Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

BG Gibson is married to the former Cheryl Marie Lueckenbach. They have two children: Josiah and Simon.

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

Colonel David Stewart graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia in 1991 and was commissioned in the Air Defense Artillery. His key assignments include: Launcher, Maintenance, and Fire Control Platoon Leader, a Battalion Tactics Trainer and Evaluator in the 6th Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery in Ansbach, Germany with a deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Falcon; Instructor at the Officer Basic Course, Fort Bliss, Texas; Commander, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery in Korea; Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery (THAAD); Small Group Instructor for the Air Defense Artillery Officer Advanced Course; Assignment Officer and Black-book / ARSTAF Account Manager, U.S. Army Personnel Command in Alexandria, Virginia; Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery in Ansbach, Germany; Patriot / MEADS Staff Synchronization Officer, Air, Missile & Space Division Executive Officer, and Assistant Executive Officer for the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Pentagon; Commander, U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Branch Chief, Air Defense Artillery and Public Affairs, Enlisted Personnel Management Division, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Commander, U.S. Army 2nd Recruiting Brigade, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama; Chief of Staff, United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Jerusalem. He served as the Assistant Commandant, Air Defense Artillery School and is currently serving as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Colonel Stewart’s military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; Australian Command and General Staff College; and U.S. Army War College. He holds Masters in Strategic Studies from both Canberra University in Australia and the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Colonel Stewart’s military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, four awards of the Army Commendation Medal, two awards of the Army Achievement Medal, U.S. Army Parachute Badge, U.S. Army Recruiter Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Colonel Stewart and his wife Annie have two daughters, Hailey and Ainslie.

Biography

COL Don A. King Jr., native of Arcadia, Florida, enlisted into the US Army in 1986. His first assignment was in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. While there, COL King attended Ranger School and deployed to Operation Just Cause. In 1991, he attended the Special Forces Qualification Course and graduated as a Special Forces Medic. He was then assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

In 1995, COL King was commissioned as an Infantry 2d LT through Officer Candidate School (OCS). Following OCS, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. COL King served as a Ranger Platoon Leader before completing the Special Forces Detachment Officer's Qualification Course and was then assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 2001. He commanded three Operational Detachment-Alpha(s) and deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was then assigned to USASOC to serve as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commanding General and deployed to Iraq as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commanding General of Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command and the Commanding General of a Joint Interagency Task Force.

From 2006-2008, COL King commanded Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces (Airborne). In 2008, he was assigned to 2d Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) as the Advanced Skills Battalion Operations Officer. From 2009-2011, he Commanded Special Forces Assessment and Selection, that later became the Army Special Operations Forces Assessment and Selection Company. In 2011, COL King served as the Director of Human Dynamics for the Special Warfare Education Group (Airborne).

From 2012-2014, COL King Commanded the US Army Marksmanship Unit, deploying portions of his command to conduct marksmanship training for the Afghan National Army. Following this command, he served as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General of the United States John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Most recently he served in Afghanistan as the Chief of Staff for the NATO Special Operations Component Command Afghanistan and the Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan.

COL King holds a BS degree from Troy State and Master's degrees from Webster University and the United States Army War College.

COL King's awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (6th award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th award), and Army Achievement Medal (6th award). He also holds the Combat Infantryman Badge (2 Awards), Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachute Badge (with Combat Star), Special Operations Combat Diver Badge, and the Special Forces and Ranger Tabs.

COL King is married to the former Rika Mando of Fayetteville North Carolina and has two sons, Tyler and Dakota.

Biography

Jonathan S. Lutgens is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. In1982, he joined the Army Reserve as a military police officer. He enlisted in the regular Army in November 1990 as an infantryman. He has held all positions of responsibility from team leader to senior enlisted leader in the Infantry.

Lutgens recently returned from deployment where he served as the senior enlisted leader of Task Force Forge in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Prior to this assignment, he served as the U.S. Army Garrison command sergeant major at Pohaluoa Training Area, Hawaii. His previous assignments include: 1st Battalion 26th Infantry Regiment (IR), Fort Knox, Ky; U.S. Army North, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; 4th Battalion 353rd Regiment, Fort Polk, LA.; 2nd Battalion 60th IR, Fort Jackson, S.C.; 1st Battalion 28th IR, Fort Jackson;1st Battalion 327th IR, Fort Campbell, Ky.; 2nd Battalion 327th IR; Fort Campbell; 2nd Battalion 5th Calvary Regiment Fort Hood, Texas; 1st Battalion 9th IR, Camp Hovey, Korea; Army Proving Ground, Yuma, Ariz.; John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, Fort Bragg, N.C.; and 2nd Battalion 72nd Armor Regiment, Camp Casey, Korea.

Lutgens’ prior deployments include Bosnia/Kosovo, and numerous deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Lutgen’s military education includes all levels of the NCO Education System, culminating with the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. He is a graduate of Air Assault School, Airborne School, Mechanized Leaders Course, Combative Instructor Course, Drill Instructor and Ranger School. Lutgens has a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College.

His awards include the Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters (OLC)), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with four OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (with silver oak leaf cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (with 10 OLC), Army Good Conduct Award (8th award), National Defense Service Ribbon (with star), Korean Defense Service, Afghan Campaign Medal (with two stars), Iraqi Campaign Medal (with three stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal (with two stars), Overseas Ribbon (with numeral 7). In addition to the Combat Infantryman Badge, he earned the Expert Infantryman Badge, Airborne Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge and the Ranger Tab. Lutgens also received the Order of Saint Maurice.

Lutgens is married to the former Grace Kim of Teague, South Korea. They have one daughter and two sons.