Leaders
Major General Brian J. McKiernan
Biography
MG Brian J. McKiernan is a 1986 Distinguished Military Graduate of the Vanderbilt University ROTC Program. His military education includes the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the United States Marine Corps Command and General Staff Course, and the Army War College. MG McKiernan’s military service includes tactical assignments with the VII Corps Artillery in Germany, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, and the 1st Armored Division. He also served as an Operations Research Analyst on the Army Staff, a Joint Staff Officer with the Combined Forces Command-Korea, Senior Fire Support Trainer at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, and Chief of Staff (J-9) U.S. Forces-Iraq.
He has served in every type of Artillery unit in our Army, which included duty as Platoon Fire Direction Officer, Firing Platoon Leader, Aide-de Camp to the VII Corps Artillery Commanding General, Battalion Fire Support Officer, Battery Commander, Battalion S-3, DIVARTY S-3, Direct Support Artillery Battalion Commander, and Commander of the 210th FA Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. His most recent assignments include: Deputy Chief of Staff (G-3/5/7) U.S. Army Reserve Command, 49th Commandant of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School, Deputy Commanding General-Support, 82nd Airborne Division, and Deputy Commanding General-Operations, 8th U.S. Army. Most recently MG McKiernan commanded First Army Division East.
MG McKiernan’s awards and decorations include: the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (5), Bronze Star Medal with “V”, Bronze Star Medal (3), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (4), Iraq Campaign Medal, GWOT Service Medal, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge.
MG McKiernan is married to the former Sharon Winn, who is a Colonel and Army Physician. They have four daughters: Natalie, Ariane, Brianna and Bonnie.
Command Sergeant Major Carl A. Fagan
Biography
Command Sergeant Major Fagan was born in Thomaston, GA. He enlisted in the US Army in 1986 and completed Basic Combat Training and the Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember Course (13M) Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill.
He has served in several leadership positions including MLRS Launcher Section Chief, MLRS Ammunition Section Chief, Recruiter, MLRS Support Platoon Sergeant, MLRS Firing Platoon Sergeant, Senior Observer Controller/ Trainer, Battalion Intelligence Sergeant, First Sergeant, AC/ RC Battalion Sergeant Major, Brigade Operations Sergeant Major, Regional Support Command Sergeant Major (NTM-A), Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Brigade Command Sergeant Major, DIVARTY Command Sergeant Major, and currently FCOE Command Sergeant Major.
Command Sergeant Major Fagan has attended the Basic Airborne Course Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, the Air Assault Course, US Army Master Fitness Trainers Course, and the Army Recruiting Course. He is a graduate of every level of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, to include the US Army Sergeants Major Academy Nonresidents Course class 35, culminating with the Executive Leader Course class 16-02. He is also an Honor Graduate of the United States Army Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officers Course, Class 2-96. He holds a Master of Arts in Business Management and Leadership form Liberty University, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Technical Communications from Kaplan University, and holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Central Texas College.
His assignments include the 1st Battalion 27th Field Artillery (MLRS), Babenhausen, Germany, Bravo Battery 6th Field Artillery (MLRS), Fort Riley, KS, 2nd Battalion 14th Field Artillery (MLRS), Bamberg, Germany, 1st Battalion 12th Field Artillery (MLRS), Fort Sill, OK, the New Orleans Recruiting Battalion with duty at Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1st Battalion 39th Field Artillery (MLRS), Fort Stewart, GA, 1st Battalion 410th Field Artillery (TS) (MLRS), Fort Knox, KY, 1st Battalion 19th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, OK, HHC 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, LA, HHD 177th Armored Brigade (TS), Camp Shelby, MS, and 2nd Battalion 305th Field Artillery (TS), Camp Shelby, MS, Regional Support Command-South (NTM-A), Kandahar Afghanistan, 2nd Battalion 5th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, OK, 4th Cavalry Brigade, Fort Knox, KY, 101st Airborne Division Artillery (AASLT), and currently The Fires Center of Excellence and FT. Sill. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Command Sergeant Major Fagan’s awards include the Legion of Merit (1st OLC), Bronze Star (1st OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1st Silver OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1st Silver/1st OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3rd OLC), Southwest Asia Service Medal (3rd Bronze Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Bronze Stars), the Good Conduct Medal (9th award), German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge (Silver), Army Recruiter Badge (Gold) with 1 Sapphire and numerous other ribbons. Command Sergeant Major Fagan currently resides on Fort Sill with his wife Sherry.
Mr. Joe E. Gallagher
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.
Brigadier General Keith A. Klemmer
Biography
Brig. Gen. Keith A. Klemmer assumed duties as Deputy Commanding General (ARNG) for Field Artillery in May 2015. Klemmer served as an enlisted Soldier in the s Army Reserve prior to entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark. where he received his commission in 1985. His military experience includes more than 23 years of service in field artillery and infantry units to include deployments during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005. His key assignments include Recruiting and Retention Manager, State Area Command, Arkansas National Guard; Deputy United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Arkansas; Commander, 1st Battalion 206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade; Commander, 142nd Fires Brigade; and Chief of Staff, Arkansas Army National Guard.
Klemmer's most recent assignment was Assistant Adjutant General (Army), Arkansas Joint Force Headquarters, Army National Guard.
Brigadier General Timothy J. Sheriff
Biography
N/A
Colonel Stephen J. (Steve) Maranian
Biography
Colonel Stephen J. (Steve) Maranian was born and raised near Boston, Massachusetts. He is a 1988 graduate of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania from which he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery. He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and a Masters of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College. His military education includes the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff Officer’s Course, the Army War College, and the NATO Defense College.
Colonel Maranian’s commands include two batteries in the 1st Cavalry Division Artillery, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, and the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment. He has served in Field Artillery staff positions including tours as Brigade Fire Support Officer, 173rd Airborne Brigade; Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery; and Executive Officer, 1st Infantry Division Artillery. Additional staff assignments include service as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff G3, 1st Infantry Division; Executive Officer for the Headquarters Department of the Army Director of Training; Special Assistant and later Executive Officer for the Commanding General, United States Army Europe; and most recently Chief of Staff, United States Army Africa/Southern European Task Force.
Colonel Maranian has extensive overseas experience having completed 10 overseas tours in six countries, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, and he is a Defense Language Institute trained Greek linguist.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit (3rd Award), Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), the Meritorious Service Medal (5th Award), the Army Commendation Medal (7th Award), the Air Force Commendation Medal (2nd Award), the Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Canadian Parachutist Badge. Colonel Maranian is married to Cynthia Hall Maranian of Stedman, North Carolina.
Command Sergeant Major Berk Parsons
Biography
Command Sergeant Major Berk Parsons entered the Army on 19 JUN 1985. He attended One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of Basic Airborne Training, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC with 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
CSM Parsons has served in a variety of leadership positions from Gunner to Division Artillery Command Sergeant Major, with assignments as Company Operations Sergeant, Master Gunner, Senior NCO Observer Controller (JRTC), BN Operations Sergeant Major, BN and BDE Command Sergeant Major. His assignments include 82d ABN DIV, 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Battalion Combat Team (Vicenza, Italy), Operations Group - Joint Readiness Training Center, Columbia Recruiting Battalion, several assignments to the 18th Field Artillery Brigade (Airborne), Operations Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. CSM Parsons served as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major of 72nd Field Artillery (Operations) Brigade at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, NJ, the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, and most recently the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) CSM, 1st Cavalry Division Fort Hood, Texas. CSM Parsons has served in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom 07-09, 10 and New Dawn.
CSM Parsons’ military and civilian education include; Primary, Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Courses, the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy class 57, the Sergeants Major Force Management course, Senior Enlisted Joint Primary Military Education course, Jump Master, Rappel Master, Battle Staff NCO Course, Recruiter Course and the Close Combat Instructor Course. CSM Parsons has a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Social Science from Upper Iowa University and a Masters of Arts Degree in Education from Touro University.
CSM Parsons’ military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1OLC), Bronze Star (2OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1SLC), Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphires, German Army Parachutist and Fitness Badges. CSM Parsons is also honored with the Ancient Order of St Barbara, the Order of St Maurice and is an honorary member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
CSM Parsons has been married for 25 years to Kelly, has one daughter, Emily and two sons, Elijah and Timothy.
Brigadier General Randy McIntire
Biography
Brigadier General Randy McIntire entered the active Army in 1988 after graduating from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree and receiving a commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He also holds a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University in Administration and Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
His military education includes: the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, the Armor Officer Advance Course, the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Naval War College. Following commissioning he served in the following key assignments: Platoon Leader, Battery Executive Officer (XO) and Assistant Operations Officer with 2nd Battalion 44th ADA, 101st Airborne (AASLT) Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Battalion S-4 and Battery Commander 5th Battalion 3rd ADA, 1st Armored Division, Wackernheim Germany; J-1, Adjutant with Joint Task Force Provide Promise - United Nations Protection Force, Zagreb, Croatia; Majors Assignment Officer, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command Alexandria, Virginia; Aide-de-Camp to Commanding General, Space and Missile Defense Command, Arlington, Virginia; Battalion S-3 and Battalion XO with 6th Battalion 52nd ADA, V Corps, Ansbach Germany; Branch Chief, Air Defense - EPMD, Human Resources Command, Alexandria Virginia; Organizational Integrator, Force Management -Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Commander, 2nd Battalion 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Ft. Bliss, Texas; Task Force Commander, 3-3 ADA (C-RAM) Baghdad, Iraq; Commander 69th ADA Brigade, Ft. Hood, Texas and CENTCOM AOR; Director of Air and Missile Defense, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Pentagon, Washington D.C. Brigadier General McIntire is currently the Deputy Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate, G-3/5/7, Headquarters Department of the Army.
Brigadier General McIntire's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, South West Asia Service Medal with two stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with three stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He has also been awarded the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
Brigadier General McIntire is married to the former Sue Ellen Thomas. They have four children: Suzanne, Lindsay, Zachary and Rachel and four grandchildren: McKenna (5), Preslee (3), Jonny Hayes (2), Paxton (1).
Command Sergeant Major Finis A. Dodson
Biography
94th AAMDC Command Sergeant Major, Command Sergeant Major Finis A. Dodson, is a native of Olive Branch, Mississippi. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss, Texas.
CSM Dodson's duty positions and assignments include Stinger Crew Member, Fort Bliss, TX; Tactical Control Assistant, Squad Leader and Senior Maintenance Mechanic, 5-7 ADA, Bitburg Germany; Instructor/Writer, 3-6 ADA, Fort Bliss, TX; Platoon Sergeant, 1-43 ADA, ROK; ANCOC Instructor, Senior Small Group Leader, Operations Sergeant, and Chief of WLC, Fort Bliss NCO Academy; First Sergeant, 1-43 ADA, ROK; First Sergeant HHB, 31st ADA BDE; Fort Bliss, TX; Air Defense Master Evaluator and Operations Sergeant Major, 31st BDE, Fort Bliss, TX; and S2 Sergeant Major, 108th ADA BDE, Fort Bliss, TX; Operations Sergeant Major, 3-43 ADA, Fort Bliss, TX; Command Sergeant Major of 1-1 ADA in Okinawa, Japan; Command Sergeant Major of 69th ADA (Lightning) Brigade, Fort Hood, TX, and Command Sergeant Major of 35th ADA (Dragon) Brigade, ROK.
CSM Dodson awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal(1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (4th Award), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), and Global War on Terrorism Medal.
CSM Dodson military education includes Warrior Leaders Course (WLC), Advance Leaders Course (ALC), Senior Leaders Course (SLC), Small Group Instructor Course, Instructor Training Course, Advanced Army Catalog Course, Equal Opportunity Course, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Course, First Sergeant Course, Sergeants Major Academy Class 56, CSM/SGM Executive Education Course (USAWC), United States Army Force Management Course, Keystone Command Senior Enlisted Course(14-2),CSM/SGM Legal Orientation Course, and Asia-Pacific Orientation Course (APOC) .
CSM Dodson civilian education includes a Master’s Degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Education from TOURO University. He also holds a Bachelors Degree from Excelsior College (Magna cum laude) and an Associate’s Degree from El Paso Community College.
Colonel Paul S. Hossenlopp
Biography
Following graduation from the Artillery Officer Basic Course, Colonel Hossenlopp’s initial assignment was as a Battery Fire Direction Officer with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, OK, where he later served as the Battery Executive Officer, Assistant S3, and Battalion S1 during deployment to Southwest Asia as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Upon graduation from the Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Colonel Hossenlopp was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, 6th Infantry Division at Fort Richardson, AK, where he commanded Charlie Battery. Following this assignment, COL Hossenlopp was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division where he commanded Alpha Battery, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, and served as aide-de-camp to the Division Commander.
Following service as aide-de-camp, COL Hossenlopp served in the World Class Opposing Forces with the Battle Command Training Program (BCTP) at Fort Leavenworth, KS, before attending the US Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC).
Upon graduation from CGSC, COL Hossenlopp was assigned as an Assistant Fire Support Coordinator for the DIVARTY, 1st Cavalry Division, and later as the Battalion S3 for the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, and the Executive Officer for the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery at Fort Hood, TX. Following his service with the DIVARTY, 1ST Cavalry Division, Colonel Hossenlopp served as the assignments officer for Majors and Colonels at Human Resources Command, Washington D.C.
On 30 June 2005, Colonel Hossenlopp was assigned to Fort Hood where he assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment. Following battalion command, in June 2007, he served as the Deputy Commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in the Al Rasheed District of Southwest Baghdad. In the summer of 2009, he attended the U. S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. From June 2010 to May 2011, Colonel Hossenlopp commanded the Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade. From June 2011 to July 2013, he commanded the U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Sill, OK. From August 2013 – February 2015, Colonel Hossenlopp served as the Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS) G3, NRDC-T in Istanbul, Turkey and Executive Officer to Commander, Allied Land Command in Izmir, Turkey. He currently serves as ACOS Joint Fires Influence and Targeting, Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, Poland.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (7), National Defense Service Medal (2), Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Defense of Saudi Arabia Medal, and Parachutist’s Badge. Colonel Hossenlopp has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Xavier University in Cincinnati, a Master of Science Degree (Administration) from Central Michigan University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. COL Hossenlopp and his wife, Shelley, have been married for 25 years and have two children: Cassady and Nick.
Colonel Samuel W. Curtis
Biography
COL Samuel W. Curtis is a native of Dallas, Texas and was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Armor Officer.
He served his initial tour of duty in 1st Armor Division in Baumholder, Germany with major deployments to both the Persian Gulf and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Afterwards, he completed the requisite training and was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Okinawa, Japan, where he served in numerous leadership positions. During this tour, he deployed numerous times throughout Southeast Asia in support of the War on Terrorism as well as various Security and Humanitarian Assistance operations.
After leaving Japan, COL Curtis attended the Naval Postgraduate School, where for his thesis work and top academic ranking he received the Department of Defense Academic Achievement Award. After graduation, he returned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he served as the Group Operations Officer.
Upon completing his tour, COL Curtis was assigned as an Operations Officer in the Joint Staff, Deputy Directorate for Special Operations working counterterrorism policy issues and later as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Director for Operations. After the Joint Staff, he commanded a Central Selection List Stability Transition Team supporting the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in northern Iraq. Following command, he served as the Deputy Commander at Special Operations Command, Africa. COL Curtis took command of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Sill in July 2016.
COL Curtis holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Additionally, he was a 2009-2010 Seminar XXI Fellow, Center for International Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), and Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC). He is a recipient of the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab.
.In 1999, COL Curtis married the former Anne Pederson of Dallas, Texas. They have three sons, David, John, and Otto William.
Command Sergeant Major Walter Puckett
Biography
CSM Walter Puckett enlisted in the United States Army in March 1989. He received his first Basic and Advanced Individual Training as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After his first enlistment, he reclassified as an Infantryman and attended Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at 2nd Battalion 58th Infantry Ft. Benning, Georgia.
During his 25 years of service, CSM Puckett has held numerous leadership positions to include: Team Leader, Squad Leader, Drill Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Scout Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Committee Chief, Operations Sergeant Major, and Battalion Command Sergeant Major. His previous assignments include: 2nd Battalion 19th Infantry Regiment Ft Benning, GA. 1st Battalion 187th Infantry (RAKKASANS) Ft Campbell, KY, 4th Battalion 10th Infantry, Ft Jackson, S.C. 1st Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, 2nd Battalion 58th Infantry Fort Benning, GA, 3rd Battalion 327th Infantry Regiment Ft. Campbell, KY, 1st Battalion 506th Infantry Regiment Camp Greaves, Korea, 2nd Battalion 7th Calvary Ft Hood, TX, and 46th EN BN, Ft Rucker, AL.
CSM Puckett has participated in Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, supporting the 24th Infantry Division. OIF II with the 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment (Wolfhounds), 25th Infantry Division (Light) as a Platoon Sergeant. OIF 07-09 with the 1st Battalion14th Infantry Regiment (Golden Dragons), 25th Infantry Division as a First Sergeant. OEF 12-13 with the 1st Battalion 187th Infantry (RAKKASAN) as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major His military education includes; Rappel Master, Master Fitness Trainer, Sling load Master, Small Group Instructor Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, Modern Army Combatives, all levels NCOES to include the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class #61.
His awards and decorations include: the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Bronze Star (2nd Oak leaf cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal(5th Oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (4th Oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service medal (with star), Korean Defense Service, South West Asia Service Medal (with 2 stars), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal(with 2 stars), Global War on Terrorism Service, NCO Professional Development Medal (number 4), Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Overseas Ribbon (number 4), Kuwait Liberation Medal, and Saudi Arabia Liberation of Kuwait Medal. CSM Puckett is a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice.
CSM Puckett is from Hendersonville, North Carolina and has been married to his wife Khristin for 25 years, they have four children, and two Grandkids.