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. His past assignments include: 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army; 82nd Airborne Division; 1st Battalion, 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 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 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 (P) 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

Colonel Mark A. Holler assumed responsibility as the 43rd Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School and as the Chief of Air Defense Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on 3 May 2019. COL Holler's prior assignment was as Director, HQDA G-3/5/7 DAMO-Fires.

A native of Florida, COL Holler graduated from the University of North Florida in 1992 as a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned into the Air Defense Artillery Corps. His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate), US Army Jumpmaster Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Air Command and Staff Course, and the Army War College (Distinguished Graduate).

COL Holler’s initial assignment was with the 1st Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery, 24th Infantry Division, Fort Stewart Georgia as a Vulcan Platoon Leader, Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle (BSFV) Platoon Leader, and Battery Executive Officer.

Upon graduation from the Infantry Officer Advanced Course in 1996, COL Holler was assigned to Fort Bragg and served as an Air Defense Fire Coordination Officer in the 1st Battlefield Coordination Detachment, and then as an Assistant S3 and Battery Commander in 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division. Following command, he served as an Observer Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk Louisiana from 1999 to 2001.

COL Holler returned to Fort Bragg in 2001 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, serving as a CJ3 Battle Captain for CJTF-180. In 2003 COL Holler deployed to Kuwait and Iraq where he served as an Army Liaison Officer to the 1st Marine Division during the initial invasion and early occupation phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

After graduating from the Air Command and Staff College in 2005, COL Holler returned to Fort Bragg where he served as the XVIII Airborne Corps G3 Chief of Operations, and then as the Battalion S3 for the 82nd Airborne Division Special Troops Battalion. In 2007 he deployed to Afghanistan and served as a Brigade Task Force S3 in Regional Command – East. COL Holler then served as the Brigade S3 and Deputy Commanding Officer, 108th ADA Brigade at Fort Bragg from 2008 to 2010.

While stationed at Fort Hood from July 2010 to June 2013, COL Holler commanded 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery and served as the Deputy Commanding Officer, 69th ADA Brigade, deploying twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following graduation from the US Army War College in 2014, COL Holler was assigned as the ACoS, G3 for the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss, TX. He then served as Commander, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in Korea from June 2015 to June 2017. Following brigade command, COL Holler served as the Executive Officer to the Army Inspector General from June 2017-July 2018.

COL Holler's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (3 OLC), Bronze Star (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), and Joint Service Commendation Medal. His badges include the Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.

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

COL Anthony Lugo is a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Field Artillery through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He holds a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Captains Career Course, Naval Command & Staff College and the National War College.

COL Lugo has commanded artillery units at the battery and battalion level and commanded an Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His service as a staff officer includes serving as the Operations Officer (G3), I Corps; Director, Combined Joint Operations Center, Headquarters Resolute Support and United States Forces – Afghanistan; Field Artillery Branch Chief, OPMD, Human Resources Command; Joint Effects Ground Planner, Joint Task Force 519, United States Pacific Command; Deputy FSCOORD and Plans Officer, Contingency Command Post, United States Army Pacific; and Observer/Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center.

COL Lugo’s command assignments include serving as Commander, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 27th Field Artillery (MLRS), 41st Field Artillery Brigade; Commander, HHB, V Corps Artillery; Commander, Field Artillery Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment; Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. He most recently served as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan Chief of General Staff, Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan, Headquarters Resolute Support and United States Forces-Afghanistan. COL Lugo’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Badge. He is authorized the Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, British Parachutist Badge and the German Proficiency Badge (Gold). COL Lugo and his wife, Kimberly, are proud parents of four children: Matthew (21), Chandler Katherine (17), Riley Elizabeth (16) and Jackson (9).

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

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.