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

Brig. Gen. Frank M. Rice is a native of South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. 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 Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

Brig. Gen. Rice’s military education includes BCT/AIT, 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 1982 and has served in the following capacities: Fire Protection Specialist, 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, and the Commander 678th Air Defense Brigade. He currently serves Dual-Hat as the Deputy Commanding General for the 263d Army Air & Missile Defense Command and the Army National Guard Deputy Commanding General (ADA) at the Fires Center of Excellence.

BG Rice’s decorations and awards include: The Legion of Merit, 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 Phil Brooks received his commission in the Field Artillery Corps from the University of Memphis in 1993. He earned a Master’s Degree in Military Arts and Sciences from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Brigadier General Brooks served in Baumholder, Germany from 1994-1997 and deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Endeavor. Upon completion of the Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course, he was assigned to Fort Benning, GA where he served as a Battalion S1 Officer, Task Force Fire Support Officer, and Battery Commander from 1997-2001. He then served as an Aviation Fire Support, Battery, and Battalion Observer/Controller at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA from 2001-2004.

Brigadier General Brooks deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom three times where he served as the Executive Officer of the Commanding General, Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, Executive Officer of the Commanding General, Multinational Division-Baghdad, a Battalion Operations Officer, a Brigade Executive Officer, and as a Battalion Commander in Mosul, Iraq. He deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He commanded Battalions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff in Regional Command East in Bagram. He deployed in support of Atlantic Resolve in Eastern Europe between 2015 and 2017 as a Brigade Commander. From 2017-2019, he served in the Pentagon as the Department of the Army’s Chief of Contingency Operations and the Chief of Staff for the Army’s Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate. In June of 2019, Brigadier General Phil Brooks served as the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division HQ(Forward) in Poland. Upon redeployment to Fort Riley, he served as the Deputy Commanding General - Maneuver. Since June 2020, Brigadier General Phil Brooks has served as the Commandant of the United States Field Artillery School, Chief of the Field Artillery, and the Deputy Commanding General of Fort Sill.

Brigadier General Brooks’ military schooling includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne School, Combined Arms Services Staff College, the Senior Service College, and Joint Forces Staff College. His awards and decorations includes 3 Legion of Merit Medals, 4 Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 6 Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and multiple Overseas Campaign and Service Ribbons.

Brigadier General Brooks is the son of Carolyn and the late Winston Brooks of Fayetteville, Tennessee, and proud husband of Lori West Brooks. Their son Wes is currently stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, TX and their daughter Amelia is attending the University of Kentucky.

Biography

Biography

Colonel 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, COL 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.

COL 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).

COL 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.

COL 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, COL 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, COL 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.

COL Harrison commanded the 69th ADA Brigade at Fort Hood, TX, from June 2015 to June 2017. While serving in brigade command, COL Harrison deployed with elements of his brigade to the CENTCOM AOR in support of OEF. In June 2017, COL Harrison relinquished command and was immediately assigned to the Joint Staff, Pentagon. During his tenure on the Joint Staff, COL 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.

COL 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 Lee T. Overby is a native of Houston, Texas and attended Sam Houston State University where he received his commission in the Field Artillery in 1993. Following the Field Artillery Officer’s Basic Course, he served as a Platoon Leader in the 2nd Battalion, 14th Field Artillery (MLRS), 3rd Infantry Division in Bamberg, Germany. During the division’s reorganization, he subsequently served in both A/76 Field Artillery and in A/33 Field Artillery.

After attending the Field Artillery Officer’s Advanced Course, COL Overby was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) where he served as a DIVARTY Assistant S3, Battalion Fire Support Officer, and Battery Commander in 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery. His next assignment was to the 3rd Brigade, 87th Division (Training Support) at Camp Shelby, Mississippi where he supported the training and mobilization of numerous Army National Guard and Army Reserve units. Afterwards, he served as an Assistant Fire Support Coordinator with 1st Cavalry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Following attendance at the Army Command and General Staff College, COL Overby served on a Military Transition Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 where he advised both Iraqi Army and National Police units. Subsequently, he was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, where he served as a Brigade Fire Support Officer and then as Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery. Following a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10, he was selected to be the Professor of Military Science at Texas A&M - Corpus Christi.

COL Overby commanded the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery in the 3rd Infantry Division from 2011 to 2014. Following attendance at the US Army War College, he served as the Fire Support Coordinator with Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. After commanding 434th Field Artillery Brigade from 2016 to 2018, he recently served on the Joint Staff, J35 as the Assistant Deputy Director for Joint Operations.

COL Overby holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Arts in History from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Combat Action Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge. Colonel Overby is married to the former Melissa Pipkin from Deer Park, TX and they have three children, Chris, Austin, and Taylor.

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.