2018-2019 Citadel Tactical Officers SELECT NAME BELOW TO VIEW BIOGRAPHY

BATTALION COMPANY BN TAC & APLHA BN NCO BRAVO CHARLIE DELTA

Lt Col SgtMaj MAJ Capt Capt ST 1 BN Fortenberry Moffitt Smith Rodick Riddick USAF USMC USAR USMC USMC

BN TAC & ECHO BN NCO F-TROOP GOLF HOTEL BAND

LTC 1SG LT LtCol LtCol CPT nd 2 BN Brace Brower Garcia Hughes Bell Parson USA USA USN USMCR USMCR USA

BN TAC & INDIA BN NCO KILO LIMA MIKE

LtCol 1SG LTC Capt LT rd 3 BN Graham Smith Sharp Sijtsma Adcock USMC USA USA Dutch AFR SCM

BN TAC & TANGO BN NCO & OSCAR ROMEO NOVEMBER

1SG CDR MAJ th CDR CPT 4 BN Horlbeck Dean Borden Craig Quinn USN USA USN USA USA

BN TAC &VICTOR BN NCO PAPA PB SIERRA

LTC 1SG Capt th LTC LTC 5 BN Panton Webster Raines Remsen Polites USA USA USMC SCSG USA 1ST BATTALION & ALPHA CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOEL FORTENBERRY United States Air Force

Lieutenant Colonel Joel R. Fortenberry, USAF, Retired, is the 1st BN TAC Officer. His final active duty assignment was as Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander, AFROTC Detachment 415, University of Minnesota. In 2005, Lt Col Fortenberry assumed command of the 509th Contracting Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO, responsible for providing security deployed acquisition support and home base support to over 3,000 personnel and assets valued in excess of $45 billion. From June 2003 to February 2005, he was Chief, Military Resources, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright Patterson AFB, OH. In this capacity, he coordinated all MAJCOM AEF taskings in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom as well as the career development of a thousand person directorate. From June 2000 to June

2003, Col Fortenberry served as the Director of Systems Operations and Ground Systems contracts for the National Reconnaissance Office, Washington DC where he directed the support to three ground based SIGINT collection stations as well as the integrated development of multi-billion dollar SIGINT collection systems. In addition, he completed tours in the C-17 System Program Office, Air Force Research Laboratory, and as Executive Officer. Col Fortenberry began his career as a Missile Launch Officer assigned to the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO. While assigned to the 351st, he served as Senior Flt Commander for the 508th Missile Squadron and Wing Command Post Senior Commander responsible for the alert status and EWO readiness of 50 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Col Fortenberry deployed to Baghdad, Iraq from Feb 04- May 04 as Principal Contracting Officer, Coalition Provisional Authority, and returned to Baghdad from September 2006 to February 2007 as Principal Contracting Officer, Multi-National Force Iraq. A native of Tyler, Texas, Lt Col Fortenberry graduated from The Citadel with a BA in Political Science/International Relations in 1990.

EDUCATION: 1990 - BA Political Science/International Relations, The Citadel, Charleston, SC 1990 - Undergraduate Missile Training, Vandenberg AFB, CA 1993 - MA Human Resource Management, Webster University, St Louis, MO 1995 - Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL 2002 - Air Command and Staff College

ASSIGNMENTS: 1. Sep 90 – Jan 91, Student, Undergraduate Missile Training, Vandenberg AFB, CA 2. Jan 91 – Jul 95, Missile Combat Crew Commander/Sr Flight Commander, 508th Missile Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO 3. Jul 95 – Aug 96, AFIT Student, Education with Industry, Tracor Aerospace, Austin, TX 4. Sep 96 – Oct 98, Chief, Non-Metals Contracting, Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 5. Oct 98 - Sept 99, Chief, Performance Enhancement/Performance Improvement, C-17 SPO, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 6. Sep 99 – Jun 00, Executive Officer, Contracting Directorate, Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 7. Jun 00 – Jun 03, Chief, Systems Operation Office Contracts, National Reconnaissance Office, Washington, DC 8. Jun 03 – Feb 05, Chief, Military Resources, Contracting Directorate, HQ Air Force Materiel Command, WPAFB, OH 9 9. Mar 05- Apr 08, Commander, 509th Contracting Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO 10. Jun 08 – Jun 11, Commander, Detachment 415, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award w/ one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Iraq Campaign medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION: Second Lieutenant 12 May 1990 First Lieutenant 1 Jul 1992 Captain 1 Jul 1994 Major 1 September 2001 Lieutenant Colonel 1 August 2006

[Back to Main Page] 1ST BATTALION NCO SERGEANT MAJOR JASON MOFFITT United Stated Marine Corps (Retired)

Sergeant Major Moffitt entered recruit training with Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego, CA on 2 August 1988 and subsequently graduated on 21 October 1988 as a private first class.

In February 1989, Sergeant Major Moffitt was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, MCAS Beaufort, SC. From August 1990 to April 1991, Sergeant Major Moffitt would deploy to Bahrain in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.

In June 1992, Sergeant Major Moffitt transferred to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC and served as an administration clerk. While with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, he deployed from October 1992 to April 1993 aboard USS GUAM (LPH-9) and USS AUSTIN (LPD-4), as part of the Landing Force 6th Fleet and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) to the Mediterranean Sea. He would again deploy with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines from October 1994 to April 1995, this time aboard USS NASSAU (LHA-4), as part of the Landing Force 6th Fleet and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) to the Mediterranean Sea. While deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/6, Sergeant Major Moffitt participated in Operations SHARP GUARD, DENY FLIGHT, and RESTORE HOPE in the Adriatic Sea.

In July 1995, Sergeant Major Moffitt attended Drill Instructor School Class 4-95. Upon graduation he was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, Parris Island, SC. While on Drill Instructor duty, he filled the billets of Drill Instructor, Operations Chief, and Senior Drill Instructor.

In December 1997, he transferred to Marine (All-Weather) Fighter Attack Squadron 224, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Beaufort, SC to serve as the administration chief. In December 1998, he deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program. After returning to the United States in June 1999, Sergeant Major Moffitt was reassigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 and again deployed to the Western Pacific from June to December of 2000.

Upon return from this deployment, Sergeant Major Moffitt was transferred to the Inspector-Instructor Staff, West Palm Beach, FL for duty with 4th Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and served as the administration chief.

In June, 2004, Sergeant Major Moffitt transferred to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit, The University of Memphis to serve as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. During the summers of 2005 and 2006, he served at Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA as a Sergeant Instructor and Platoon Sergeant.

In April 2007, Sergeant Major Moffitt was reassigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC to serve as the First Sergeant of Weapons Company. From September 2007 to April 2008, he deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08.1. 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment would again deploy from March 2009 to September 2009 to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 09.1. SERGEANT MAJOR JASON MOFFITT (CONT.)

Upon completion of this deployment, Sergeant Major Moffitt received orders to report for duty as the First Sergeant of Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. On 12 July, 2010, he was reassigned to Co D, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, and deployed to Toubacouta, Senegal, Thies, Senegal and Port Gentil, Gabon in support of Security Cooperation Task Force, Africa Partnership Station (SCTF APS-11) 2011. Upon his return to CONUS he was reassigned to Co A, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion. In October, 2011, Sergeant Major Moffitt would again deploy, this time aboard USS OAK HILL (LSD-51), to Mantatungo, Columbia and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Southern Partnership Station-12 (SPMAGTF SPS-12).

In June, 2012, Sergeant Major Moffitt was promoted to his current rank and reported for duty as the Sergeant Major of 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD Parris Island, SC.

In June 2014, Sergeant Major Moffitt was transferred to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, Marine Aircraft Group 31, MCAS Beaufort, SC. Sergeant Major Moffitt and the Marines of VMFA-251 deployed, as part of Carrier Air Wing ONE, Carrier Strike Group TWELVE aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Sergeant Major Moffitt’s personal awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars in lieu of 4th Award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three gold stars in lieu of 4th Award).

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BRAVO CO Tactical Officer MAJOR STEVE SMITH United States Army Reserves

Born in El Paso, Texas, Major Smith graduated from The Citadel in 1984 with a BA in Political Science and received a commission as a Field Artillery Officer. He served twenty years in various command and staff positions from battery to Corps level in the active and reserve components. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, The Airborne Course, The Small Arms Maintenance Course, The Master Fitness Trainer Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff Officer Course, and The Command and General Staff College.

Major Smith joined the Commandant’s Department in August 1998 as a Company Tactical Officer. He has served as the Company TAC for Alpha, Charlie, Oscar, Palmetto Battery, and Romeo. In 2007, while serving as the Tactical Officer for Palmetto Battery, he was instrumental in the reactivation of Papa Company, which was billeted in Stevens Barracks with PB. He is currently serving as the Tactical Officer for the Regimental Band and Pipes.

Major Smith has a Masters in American History is a member of the Society for Military History, the South Carolina Historical Society, and was recently inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, National History Honor Society. Regarded by many on campus as The Citadel’s “unofficial” historian he has written many articles for the school paper, and made presentations to alumni groups on little known or forgotten Citadel history, traditions, and customs. He is currently conducting research for the Centennial History of the Citadel Regimental Band 1909- 2009. The least favorite phrase he hears from cadets and alumni alike is “We’ve always done it that way.”

An avid “living historian”, Major Smith is one of the advisors to the Cadet Reenactment Club which portrays the Corps of Cadets circa 1842-1865. As an advisor he, as do the other advisors, portrays a member of the faculty of that period. When not reenacting with the cadets, he may be found portraying a Hessian Jaeger auxiliary of His Majesties Forces in the Colonies 1775-1783 during the Southern Campaign.

Major Smith works closely each semester with the professors in the Department of History to conduct “hands on” history classes for cadets and graduate students on the history and significance of 18th,19th, and 20th Century firearms for such classes as, “The Patterns of War Since the 18th Century”, “American Military History”, and “The History of Firearms” (the latter involving a live fire portion at a local firing range.)

In addition to his duties as the Tactical Officer for the Regimental Band and Pipes he also serves as the TAC for the Citadel Cheerleaders, another century old cadet organization established in 1908.

In addition to holding a Private Pilot’s Certificate, Major Smith has also completed the SC DHEC Basic Emergency Medical Technician Course and serves as one of the campus’ Sexual Assault Victim Advocates.

The most satisfying part of his job is working with young people and helping to develop them into principled leaders.

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CHARLIE CO Tactical Officer CAPTAIN JORDAN D. RODICK United States Marine Corps

Captain Rodick was born in Hartford, Connecticut on 19 November 1985 and was raised in Portland, Maine. He graduated from to The Citadel in 2009 where he received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Captain Rodick was selected for and attended Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia during the summer of 2008. He was commissioned from The Citadel as a Second Lieutenant in 2009.

Captain Rodick entered active duty as the Special Projects Officer at Recruiting Station Columbia, South Carolina in the 6th Marine Corps district from November 2009 until March 2010 building and preparing dozens of NROTC scholarship applications, CONGRINT investigations, and site audits.

In March 2010, Captain Rodick was assigned to The Basic School, Camp Barret, Quantico, Virginia and began training with Delta Company, 4-10 from April 2010 until November 2010. Captain Rodick reported to Courthouse Bay, Camp Lejeune North Carolina for Combat Engineer Officers Course from November 2010 and to April 2011 and graduated with the military occupational specialty of 1302.

Captain Rodick reported to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion aboard Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California and was assigned as the Assistant Logistics Officer, Safety/HAZMAT officer, and Armory officer from April 2011 to August 2011. While in this billet, Captain Rodick singlehandedly developed the Battalions Force Preservation Program.

In August 2011, Captain Rodick was selected to be the Company Engineer Advisor for the Battalion Embedded Training Team. He completed Advisor Training Group at Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, CA in August 2011. He was attached to Regimental Combat Team 8 and 6 in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in RC-SW, Afghanistan from October 2011 to May 2012.

During his deployment, Captain Rodick served as convoy commander, vehicle commander, vehicle search team commander (as a part of aerial interdiction operations (OP AERO-HUNTER)), lead sweeper for dismounted counter-IED operations, and .50 caliber gunner throughout Helmand and Nimruz provinces including Demazong, Lokei, Push-te-hasan, Washir, Sangin, Now Zad, and Musa Qala. He mentored and led Afghan Combat Engineers and Reconnaissance soldiers during Aerial interdiction, Counter-IED, clearing, and reconnaissance operations.

Upon redeployment, Captain Rodick was assigned as Platoon Commander, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company (Route Clearance), 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion. Captain Rodick completed a full PTP workup, including participation in Exercise Steel Knight. Captain Rodick was assigned as Engineer and Support Company Commander as part of the Remain Behind Element; preparing combat replacements and enabling elements for exercises aboard MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, CA.

Upon separation from Active Duty, Captain Rodick directly affiliated to the Selected Marine Corps Reserve and reported to Charlie Company, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion in August 2013 to serve as the Executive Officer. Captain Rodick subsequently reported to Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to attend Military Police Basic Officer Leadership Course from September 2013 to February 2014. He graduated with the military occupational specialty of 5803, (Military Police Officer) while earning the PT Badge and Gold German Armed Forces Qualification Badge.

CAPTAIN JORDAN D. RODICK (CONT.)

From November 2014 through February 2017, Captain Rodick assumed command of Charlie Company, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion. Charlie Company participated in numerous named exercises to include COBRA GOLD, GROUND SENSOR PLATOON, EAGER LION, as well as planning and conducting a Battalion Level Annual Training event.

In March 2017, Captain Rodick assumed command of Delta Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division. While leading Delta Company, Captain Rodick participated in MTNX (Mountain Exercise, Bridgeport California), 4th Marine Division Squad Competition, AFRICAN LION, as well as designing and leading the Battalion’s Corporals Course.

Captain Rodick was employed at Pricewaterhousecoopers LLC from Nov 2015 through June 2017. While employed as an Experienced Associate/Risk Management Consultant, he provided expertise in HSLE (Homeland Security and Law Enforcement) as well as Information Security/Technology to numerous Federal Government clients throughout the National Capitol Region. He also planned, designed, and instituted numerous training and education programs for Federal Law Enforcement clients.

Captain Rodick’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, The National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the sea service deployment ribbon.

Captain Rodick is a graduate of Xavier University with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is married to the former Jeanne Albinger of Charleston, South Carolina and has two daughters, Michaela and Cadence.

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DELTA CO Tactical Officer CAPTAIN RIDDICK United States Marine Corps

BIO UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2ND BATTALION & ECHO CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL KEITH BRACE United States Army

Lieutenant Colonel Keith B. Brace received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from The Citadel and was commissioned an Infantry Officer as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1991. He also earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from The Citadel in 2002. His military education includes the Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Command and General Staff College.

Lieutenant Colonel Brace joined the Commandant’s Department in 2011 after retiring from a 20 year Army career. His previous assignments include: Professor of Military Science at Wake Forest University; S3/Operations Officer, 3-61st Cavalry Squadron, Ft. Carson, CO; G3/Training Officer, 7th Infantry Division, Ft. Carson, CO; Chief Battalion Training Officer and Company Training Officer, 3-307th Training Support Battalion, Mt. Pleasant, SC; Assistant Battalion S3/Operations Officer and Commander, HHC and B Company, 1-18th Infantry Battalion, Schwienfurt, Germany; and Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion S1/Adjutant, 1-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Ft. Bragg, NC. His deployments include a tour in Bosnia from October 1996-April 1997 and a tour in Iraq from October 2006-August 2007.

His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Army Commendation Medal (3), the Army Achievement Medal (4), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.

Lieutenant Colonel Brace is married to Amy Brace and they have two children; Sara and Niko.

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2ND BATTALION NCO FIRST SERGEANT JIM BROWER United States Army

1SG Jim Brower joined the United States Army in 1987 and served for over 27 years in Ranger, Reconnaissance, and Light Infantry units. He deployed multiple times in support of Operation Just Cause, Restore Hope, Uphold Democracy, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as other training deployments around the globe. 1SG Brower has also served as an Instructor and Dive Supervisor at the Benning phase of Ranger School, in the G3 at United States Army Africa, and his final assignment prior to retiring was in the Army ROTC department at the Citadel. He is a Distinguished Member of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade and is the Recipient of the Order of St Maurice Medallion (Centurion).

1SG Brower joined the Commandants Department in September of 2016 and is currently serving as the 2nd Battalion TAC NCO. 1SG Brower is married to his wife Danielle and they have two children, Dylan and Mackenzie.

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F-TROOP CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT ORLANDO GARCIA United States Navy

LT Garcia is native of Rio Grande, P.R. He enlisted in December 1989 and received recruit training at Orlando, FL., followed by Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) training at Millington, TN. His first duty assignment was onboard the USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) where he deployed in support of Operation PROVIDE CONFORT. He then joined the “Sidewinders” of VFA 86 where he deployed onboard USS AMERICA (CV 66) for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Additional duty stations and assignments include, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department, NAS Cecil Field, FL; Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department, NAS Sigonella, Italy; and the “Redtales” of VC 8, in Roosevelt Roads, PR. During his time as a Jet Engine Mechanic he achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class, he served as Power Plant Supervisor and Phase/Corrosion Control Leading Petty Officer. He performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance in seven aircraft engines types and was qualified as Power Plants Quality Assurance Inspector on the F/A-18C, TA-4J and UH-3H aircrafts.

LT Garcia attended college during his off-duty time, he received a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2000. He was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and was then commissioned in February 2003. He reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for aviation flight training completing primary and intermediate joint Naval Flight Officer and Navigator training with the “Warbucks” of VT 4. He then completed Advance Maritime Training at the 562nd Flying Training Squadron in Randolph AFB, TX earning his Naval Flight Officer Wings of Gold. He then reported to the “Pro’s Nest” of VP 30 in NAS Jacksonville, FL to complete P-3 fleet replacement training. His first operational assignment as Naval Flight Officer was with the “Tridents” of VP 26. During his tour the squadron deployed twice to the 5th fleet area of responsibility in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM and served as Aviation Warfare Division Officer and as Aviation Life Support System Branch officer. He participated in detachments to Sicily, Crete, Iraq, Qatar and Djibouti. His final assignment was with the NROTC Unit The Citadel, where he served as Senior Naval Instructor.

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GOLF CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN W. HUGHES United States Marine Corps

Lieutenant Colonel John W. Hughes, a 1999 graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, currently serves as the Reserve Operations Officer and Deputy Program Manager for reserve Marines at the Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group, Fort Story, VA. In these billets he oversees the planning, development and implementation of reserve training plans to support unit operations. He also participates in the training of Security Cooperation Teams before deployment and in the training and assessment of foreign security forces.

Upon graduation from The Citadel, then Lieutenant Hughes reported to The Basic School in Quantico, VA where he was assigned the Air Defense Officer military occupational specialty. He was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 4, First Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. Lieutenant Hughes was then assigned to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 located at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. While assigned to MTACS-28, he served as the Squadron Adjutant, Air Defense Coordinator and Senior Air Coordinator during multiple deployments.

In November 2004, then Captain Hughes transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve where he joined Delta Company, 8th Tank Battalion. While serving as a Platoon Commander and Executive Officer he oversaw the transition of the unit from its designation as a Tank Company to a Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, culminating in a deployment to Iraq in 2008-2009. At the completion of this deployment, then Captain Hughes was selected as the only reserve officer to attend the resident Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) for the academic year 2009-2010.

After graduating EWS, then Major Hughes was designated the Company Commander of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment. During this period, he led and trained over 200 Marines and Sailors deploying to Ukraine to participate in foreign security force training exercises. Once he completed command time, then Major Hughes was assigned as a Field Historian to the Marine Corps History Division. While assigned to this billet, he was selected to attend the resident Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Soon after graduation, then Major Hughes joined his current unit as an Operations Officer and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in April 2016.

Lieutenant Colonel Hughes has honorably served with distinguished combat units such as the First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and 8th Marine Regiment. He has deployed to Kuwait and Iraq three times in aviation and ground combat units. His awards and decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Iraqi Campaign Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal and the Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from The Citadel and a Master of Arts in History from George Mason University. He is also a graduate of the Marine Corps Advisor Course, the Expeditionary Warfare School and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

He is happily married to the former Heather Yaun of Richmond Hill, GA who is a physician at the Ralph H. Johnson Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, SC.

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HOTEL CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL BILL BELL United States Marine Corps Reserves

Lieutenant Colonel Bill Bell received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from The Citadel in May 1994 and was commissioned a Marine 2nd Lieutenant in December 1994. He also earned a Masters Degree in European History from The Citadel in 2009. His military education includes Landing Support Specialist School, The Basic School, Motor Transport Officer Course, Expeditionary Warfare Staff Planning, Marine Corps Logistics Education Program, and Command and General Staff College. He is currently working on a Masters in Student Services and the Air War College.

Lieutenant Colonel Bell joined the Commandant’s Department in 2001 after leaving active duty and joining the Marine Corps Reserve. His assignments include: Logistics Operations Officer, 4th Marine Division; Operations Officer, HQ & Service Bn, 4th Marine Logistics Group; Company CO, XO & Platoon Commander, “Charlie” Co., 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group; OIC, Operations Instructional Section & Battalion Motor Transport Officer, Marine Logistics School, Marine Corps Combat Support Services School; HQ Commandant, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable); Battalion Motor Transport Officer, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 26th MEU (SOC); Battalion Motor Transport Officer, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division; and, Truck Platoon Commander, HQ Bn, 2nd Marine Division. His overseas training exercises include Talisman Saber ’07 (Australia), BALTOPS ’12 (Lithuania) and Western Accord ’14 (Senegal). His deployments include Joint Task Force 160 “Operation Sea Signal” in 1995, Non-Combatant Evacuation of Albania in 1997 with 26th MEU(SOC), Operation Iraqi Freedom II in 2004 and Director of Logistics for the Syria Train & Equip mission under SOCCENT in 2015.

His military awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and NATO Medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Bell has served as an Assistant Rugby Coach 2001-2003 and the Head Rugby Coach for The Citadel Rugby Club since 2003. The Bulldogs ended their 2006 season as South Conference Champions and D III National Championship Runner-up, 2007 and 2008 placing in the top 3 in the Palmetto Conference, and winning the Shield at 2016 USA Rugby 7’s National Championship. The Citadel is also a founding member of the Southern Rugby Conference made up of Southern Conference college rugby clubs.

Lieutenant Colonel Bell is married to Morgan Bell and they have two children, Ronan and Cian, and an American Foxhound named Dixie.

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BAND CO Tactical Officer CAPTAIN JOHN C. PARSON United States Army

Captain John C. Parson received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business from The Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned into the United States Army in 2001; he has served as an Artillery Office, Infantry Officer, and a Judge Advocate. He also earned a Juris Doctorate from Charleston School of Law 2011. His military education includes the Artillery Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captain Career Course, Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, Judge Advocate Officer Advanced Course, NATO Legal Advisor Course, Contact Attorneys Couse, and the Special Victims Unit Investigators Course.

Captain Parson joined the Commandant’s Department in 2017. He is currently a member of the Virginia Army National Guard and serving as the Brigade Judge Advocate for 116th Infantry Brigade, Stanton, VA. His previous assignments include: Command Judge Advocate, Combined Joint Operations Center-Jordan, Amman Jordan; Chief, Operational Law, 29th Infantry Division, Ft. Belvoir, VA; Judge Advocate- Investigator, National Guard Bureau-Office of Complex Investigations, Arlington, VA; Division (G3) Operations Officer, 101st Airborne Infantry Division (Air Assault), Ft. Campbell; KY; 3-16th Field Artillery, Battalion Fire Direction Officer; B/3-16th Field Artillery, Battery Fire Direction Officer; B/2-8th Infantry Battalion, Company Fire Support Officer; 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Ft. Hood, TX. His deployments included two tours in Iraq from 2003-2004 and 2006- 2007, as well as, a tour in Jordan 2016-2017.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2), the Army Achievement Medal (2), Army National Guard Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Army Valorous Unit Citation Award, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the German Armed Force Proficiency Badge.

He is a licensed attorney, admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, Commonwealth of Virginia, and various military courts and tribunals.

Captain Parson is married to Christina Parson and they have done daughter, Sophia.

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3RD BATTALION & INDIA CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHARLES GRAHAM United States Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.)

Lt Colonel Charles H. Graham retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve, after completing a combined 25 years of service; 11 years of total active duty and 14 years of reserve duty. He attended high school in Bamberg, SC and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from Webster University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College, USAF Air University.

After graduating from USC, he attended The United States Marine Corps Reserve Officer’s Candidate’s Course in Quantico Virginia and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. After completing his initial active duty requirements, he reverted to reserve status and returned to South Carolina where he was employed by The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control as a field biologist. In the fall of 1990, 1st Lieutenant Graham was recalled to active duty and served with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Returning from the Persian Gulf, Captain Graham again reverted back to reserve status and returned to his position with the SC DHEC. Noteworthy follow on reserve assignments include a tour with Coalition and Special Warfare (Baltic Region) and a tour as the Training Curriculum Development Officer at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.

In 2001 Major Graham was again recalled to active duty. His following assignments tours included Combined Forces Command- Afghanistan, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Africa, Combined Disaster Assistance Command-Pakistan and NATO-International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan. Lt Colonel Graham’s career military operational experience includes three presidentially directed reserve mobilizations.

Lt Colonel Graham joined The Citadel as a Company TAC Officer in July of 2008 and is currently the 3rd Battalion TAC Officer.

Lt Colonel Graham’s wife Tammy holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at The Citadel. Charles and Tammy have two daughters and one son.

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KILO CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL SHARP United States Army

LTC James Sharp is the K Co TAC officer and a 1988 Graduate of the Citadel. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2014 after 31 total years of service. LTC

Sharp was the PSYOP Plans officer for US Army Central at Shaw AFB, Sumter SC. After retirement he continued to work as an Operations Manager at USARCENT and as the Gun Library Internet Sales specialist at Cabela’s in FT Mill SC.

LTC Sharps’ military service began in 1983 when he enlisted in the SC Army National Guard. He was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the US Army in 1988. Active duty assignments include: Platoon leader in 193rd Infantry Brigade Panama; Platoon leader and company XO 3rd Infantry Division, Germany; Company Commander and G3 Air in the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell; Tactical PSYOP Detachments Commander, USASOC Ft Bragg; Ground Plans Officer, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia, Saudi Arabia; G3 Air, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg; PSYOP Plans Officer, 1st Infantry Division Germany and Iraq. Transition Team Chief, Iraqi Advisory Group; Joint and Army Integration Division, JFK Special Warfare Center, Ft Bragg; Stability Transition Team Chief, 3 Infantry Division Iraq.

Military Training and Special Skills, Infantry Officer Basic, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Air Ground Operations School, Jumpmaster, PSYOP and Civil Affairs Officer Qualifications, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE), Joint Air Command Control Communications, Joint Doctrine Developer, Counter Insurgency Academy, USA Command and Staff College Intermediate Leaders Education, Air Assault, Senior Parachutist, Ranger, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Army Aircrew Badge.

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LIMA CO Tactical Officer CAPTAIN WOUTER SIJTSMA Dutch Air Force Reserves

Captain Sijtsma is the Company Tactical Officer for Papa Company in the 5th Battalion. He provides direct supervision to Cadet Officers and NCOs in the performance of their duties in order to enhance their leadership skills. As a TAC he helps teach, advice and counsel cadet leadership and their subordinates in order to achieve the discipline needed to achieve outstanding academic results and military proficiency.

Captain Sijtsma’s career started in 1979 as a Dutch Army communication specialist embedded in the 8th USFAD (Lance nuclear missile).

After this tour he transferred to the Dutch Air Force as a special operations (OGRV) specialist. In this function he deployed a number of times to diverse places around the world to include Africa, the Middle East, and Indonesia.

Some of his military training includes EOD (bomb disposal) and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear warfare). He is also an experienced military parachutist.

He has been extensively engaged in NCO and Officer Leadership training on the national and international levels. He has worked with the Professional development Command of the US Air Force reserve.

His last position was as the head of the education bureau of the Dutch Air Force reserve where he was charged with the setting up and executing of a new education system for the Dutch Air Force reserve.

His last deployment was to Afghanistan in 2008 (ISAF) where he served in Regional Command South as counterinsurgency and counter narcotics specialist filling a Major slot in the J9 branch.

During his deployment his wife, who currently serves on active duty in the US Air Force, received orders to return to the US to Shaw AFB. After serving in Afghanistan he joined her at Shaw AFB. After briefly returning to the Netherlands to train the Dutch Provincial Reconstruction team of 2009 he settled with his wife in Sumter South Carolina. He still serves as a Dutch Air Force Officer in the Reserves.

Captain Sijtsma graduated from the University of Liverpool (UK) with an MBA degree. He has dual citizenship with the Netherlands and the United States.

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MIKE CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT KEVIN ADCOCK South Carolina Militia

Lt. R. Kevin Adcock (US Navy) has been a TAC Officer at The Citadel since 2011. After graduating from The Citadel in 1990 (Charlie Co.), he flew SH- 60B Seahawk helicopters and then trained future Naval Flight Officers as a flight instructor in the T-34C.

Following active duty, Kevin entered the airline industry as a pilot for United Express flying the Canadair Regional Jet. After Independence Air dissolved, Kevin worked as a personal trainer and a middle school math teacher prior to returning to his alma mater. As a TAC, he has worked for Delta, F-Troop, and Tango Companies prior to reporting to Mike Company in 2016.

"A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle." - Khalil Gibran

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4TH BATTALION & TANGO CO Tactical Officer COMMANDER JOHN HORLBECK United States Navy

CDR Horlbeck is a native of Charleston, South Carolina and was raised there. He attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, West Virginia for two years from 1970 – 1972. Upon the closure of the school at the end of the 1971-1972 school year, he returned to Charleston and graduated from Porter-Gaud School in May 1973. He entered The Citadel in August 1973 and subsequently graduated in May 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

CDR Horlbeck reported to Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island in June 1978 and was commissioned an Ensign in September 1978. He then served in a variety of assignments afloat and ashore, concentrating in the areas of ship operations, engineering, logistics, administration, and training. During the course of his naval career, he completed five extended overseas deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf, and resided in Rhode Island, California, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Virginia. During the assignment in Louisiana he completed the three-year Naval Command and Staff non- resident course for the Navy War College. CDR Horlbeck’s last assignment with the Navy was with the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia as Logistics Readiness Center Operations Officer. He retired from the Navy in October 2000.

In December 2000, CDR Horlbeck graduated from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia with a Master’s Degree in Education. Following completion of his student-teaching requirement at Great Bridge Middle School, Chesapeake, Virginia in March 2001, he and his family relocated to South Carolina in July 2001 to accept a position as Assistant Head and Middle School Mathematics teacher at Thomas Hart Academy, Hartsville, South Carolina. In June 2002 CDR Horlbeck accepted the position of Headmaster and served in that position until June 2009. In April 2009 he accepted an offer to assume the position of Headmaster at Mason Preparatory School in Charleston, SC and served in that position from June 2009 to June 2012. He joined the Commandant’s Department at The Citadel as a company tactical officer in August 2012.

CDR Horlbeck has a wide variety of interests; they include soccer (playing and refereeing), music (piano and choral singing), genealogy, and fishing. He is a member of the U.S Naval Institute, South Carolina Society of Colonial Wars, French Huguenot Society of South Carolina, Agricultural Society of South Carolina, St. Cecilia Society, Charleston Men’s Chorus, and Theta Commission of Kappa Alpha Order. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board for St. Alban’s Chapel, The Citadel.

CDR Horlbeck was married to the late Gretchen Lee Baker of Johnsonville, South Carolina for nearly 36 years. CDR Horlbeck has two sons: one attends Trident Technical College and the other is a 2012 graduate of The Citadel. CDR Horlbeck and his family are members of St. John’s Parish Church (Anglican) on John’s Island. [Back to Main Page]

4TH BATTALION NCO FIRST SERGEANT RICK E. DEAN United States Army (Ret.)

First Sergeant Rick E. Dean enlisted into the United States Army in September of 1984, and attended Basic Infantry Training in A Company, 2nd

Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, Harmony Church, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Assignments include: Rifleman in Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, Erlangen, Germany; Scout observer and Radio Telephone Operator in HHC, Scout Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Assistant Team Leader in F Company, 51st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance Unit, Stuttgart, Germany, while assigned was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm; Scout Squad Leader, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Team Leader, Long Range Surveillance Detachment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea; Weapons Squad Leader, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Drill Sergeant, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Platoon Sergeant, B Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy, while assigned was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; First Sergeant, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

First Sergeant Dean’s awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Award (5), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Army Good Conduct Medal (7), National Defense Service Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Combat Infantryman Badge (2), Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge with Bronze Combat Star, Air Assault Badge, and Drill Sergeant Badge.

First Sergeant Dean is a graduate of Advanced, Basic and Primary NCO Leadership courses, Battle Staff, Drill Sergeant School, Jumpmaster School, Ranger School and Strayer University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

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NOVEMBER CO Tactical Officer CAPTAIN QUINN United States Army

BIO UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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OSCAR CO Tactical Officer COMMANDER KEVIN D. BORDEN United States Navy

Commander Borden attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he received his Bachelor’s degree and an

Ensign’s commission in 1994. Prior to Annapolis, he enlisted in the United States Navy and flew onboard Navy UC-12 aircraft following high school graduation. He later received his Master’s degree in Operations Research in 2001 from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Commander Borden served honorably for 21 years and retired in 2012.

His operational leadership assignments include destroyer USS Nicholson (DD 982), replenishment ship USS Supply (AOE 6), fast frigate USS McClusky (FFG 41), Destroyer Squadron One staff, and destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). He participated in homeland protection Operation Noble Eagle, in counter narcotic-terrorism operations, maritime security readiness and training operations, Global War on Terrorism operations, and in combat Operations Joint Guard, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom overseas.

His shore assignments include Naval Air Station Norfolk, United States Naval Academy, Surface Warfare Officers School, Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College, United States Pacific Fleet, Naval Warfare Center Dahlgren, United States Joint Forces Command, Armed Forces Staff College, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and National Defense University. Prior to military retirement, he was selected for Commander, Afloat Training Group in Everett, Washington.

Commander Borden held command leadership positions in ships at sea, analyzed requirements and managed projects on major staffs, integrated training between the military services, and remained dedicated to enhancing national security. He received leadership, technical, and security experience in these diverse assignments. He has been recognized in numerous leadership positions and is entitled to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal along with various other service, unit and personal awards.

Following a decorated military career, Commander Borden entered the private sector in 2012 where he trained, developed and mentored diverse teams focused on continuous process improvement while managing critical resources. Additionally, he consulted independently with small business owners and managing partners to build solid foundations for long-term achievement. His experience and operational focus helped identify gaps, create strategy and policy, and execute roadmaps for success.

Commander Borden is an active member in the community, a regular member of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association (Charleston Chapter), member of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS), member of the Charleston Offshore Racing Association (CORA), and volunteer with Tall Ships Charleston and the Spirit of South Carolina. He is married to the former Caroline Fleming of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and has two school-age daughters.

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ROMEO CO Tactical Officer MAJOR JONATHAN CRAIG United States Army

Major Jonathan W. Craig, a 1999 graduate of The Citadel from Glen Ellyn, IL, served over 15 years with the active duty United States Army as both a field artillery officer and a public affairs officer. He currently serves as the Romeo Company TAC Officer, Commandant’s Department, The Citadel. Additionally he serves as the Asst. Summerall Guard TAC and the Citadel Basketball Team TAC.

Major Craig led, trained, and cared for thousands of Soldiers and their families and served in every leadership position from Platoon Leader to Battalion Executive Officer. He honorably served with legendary combat units such as the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea and the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Additionally, he was deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004, where he earned the distinguished Combat Action Badge as the Battalion Fire Support Officer, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

Major Craig commanded A Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment (13D/13P AIT) and later D Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment (13B AIT) from 2006-2008. He was then hand-picked to serve as the Deputy G-33 (Current Operations) Officer for the Chief of Fires, at the US Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Here he oversaw the training and readiness of all field artillery units throughout the Army. Towards the end of his career Major Craig served as the media relations/press desk officer for US Army Central/Third Army and later as Chief, Command Information, National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C.

In his career Major Craig safely and successfully fired over 13,000 artillery rounds. As well as the effective employment of infantry mortars, attack helicopters, fighter jets and bombers, and an AC-130 Gunship.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLCs), National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Major Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from The Citadel and a Master of Arts in international relations from the University of Oklahoma. He is also an Honor Graduate of the Defense Information School, Public Affairs Qualification Course. Major Craig is also a graduate of the US Army Airborne School and Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses.

He is happily married to the former Lori Marie Baker of Shelbyville, TN, and they have three children; Samantha, Sidney and Wesley.

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5TH BATTALION & VICTOR CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL JEFF PANTON South Carolina Militia

LTC (Retired) Jefferson R. Panton served over 25 years in the United States Army as both enlisted soldier and Officer. He enlisted in 1982 and was commissioned from the United State Military Academy, West Point in 1988. He has served in numerous leadership and staff positions as an Infantry and Special Forces officer. His career highlights include Infantry Platoon Leader and Mortar Platoon Leader in 2ID (Korea), Detachment Commander and Company Executive Officer, 1st BN 1st Special Forces Group (Okinawa, Japan). Group Support Company Commander 1st Special Forces Group (FT. Lewis, Washington) and Special Forces Detachment-Korea (SFD-K) Commander. While at the United States Special Operations Command, he served a 6 month tour in Iraq as an Operations Officer in the Iraqi National Counter Terrorism Force-Transition Team, and 2 1/2 years as the USSOCOM Liaison Officer to the Australian Special Operations Command. LTC Panton is also a Chinese Foreign Area Officer with a Masters Degree from Stanford University in Far East Asian Studies. He served 16 years of his career in overseas assignments primarily in Asia to include: Japan, Korea, Germany, Australia and the Peoples Republic of China. He also had numerous smaller military deployments to Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Iraq. LTC Panton retired from active duty service on 1 April 2011. He has a wife, Kimberly and three children: Charles , Savannah and Michael.

His Military Awards include: LOM, DSM (3 OLC), MSM (1 OLC) ARCOM (1 OLC), AAM, AUSA, AGCM, NDSM, GWOT, KDSM and HSM

His military skills and training include: Military Free Fall parachutist, Jumpmaster, Expert Infantrymen Badge, Air Assault Badge, Special Forces, Ranger and Special Forces Advance Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Course (SFARTEC) graduate. His primary foreign language is Mandarin Chinese with limited proficiency in Korean.

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5TH BATTALION NCO FIRST SERGEANT DANIEL WEBSTER United States Army

BIO UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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PAPA CO Tactical Officer CAPTAIN RAINES United States Marine Corps

BIO UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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PALMETTO BATTERY CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL GLENN REMSEN South Carolina State Guard

Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Remsen is a native of New Milford Connecticut. He graduated from The Citadel. The Military College of South Carolina, in 1994 and was commissioned in the United States Army Reserve. While attending The Citadel as cadet, Lieutenant Colonel Remsen was nominated by faculty to compete for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. His other academic achievements include receiving the Coleman Award for the highest senior GPA in the Political Science Department and graduating with honors (Magna

Cum Laude). He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security from The Citadel, and a Masters Degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

Lieutenant Colonel Remsen is currently serves in the South Carolina State Guard and is assigned to Special Operations Command as the Section Chief for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU). Several key previous assignments include: Company Commander, Brigade Chief of Staff for Plans Operations and Training, Brigade Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Security, Division Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Security, Chief RAIDER Instructor at the South Carolina State Guard Military Academy, and RAIDER Task Force Commander.

In 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Remsen was named an “Honorary Green Beret” by the South Carolina Chapter of the Special Forces Association. His military awards include the South Carolina State Guard Homeland Defense Achievement Medal, South Carolina State Guard Medal of Merit, South Carolina State Guard Humanitarian Service Ribbon, State Guard Association of the United States Commendation Medal, and the State Guard Association of the United States Achievement Medal. He also has earned the Laotian Parachutist Badge and Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Badge.

At The Citadel, Lieutenant Colonel Remsen has served as an Assistant Director of Admissions as well as the TAC Officer for both Oscar and Echo Companies. In addition to his responsibilities as a TAC Officer, he serves as the co-advisor for The Citadel Cadet Special Operations Association.

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SIERRA CO Tactical Officer LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRIS POLITES United States Army

A 1992 Citadel graduate and Star of the West scholar, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Christopher F. Polites began his career as a Teach-Advise-Coach

Officer at The Citadel in July, 2015. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army in 2013, he entered full-time into blacksmithing and went to horseshoeing school. He established Blue Blazes Farrier Service, LLC after a year-long apprenticeship, and worked the Fayetteville-Southern Pines-Fort Bragg, NC corridor. He maintains a few clients in the Charleston area, but dedicates most waking hours to the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. During the first half of his military career, he served with the 82d Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division and U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School. In 2004, he became a Civil Affairs officer with a Middle East/ Arabic focus, and served in numerous command/leadership roles within the 96th and 97th Civil Affairs Battalions (Airborne), and 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne), U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He amassed over 14 of 21 years in direct leadership, command, cross-cultural advisory/instructional, and primary staff assignments at all levels spanning 18 countries and five continents. He’s a veteran of multiple combat and operational tours, including Panama, Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation New Dawn (OND), and OEF-Philippines (OEF-P). LTC (Ret) Polites culminated his Army career as the first Director of Civil Affairs Force Modernization at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School of Excellence. His proudest accomplishment has been his marriage of over 20 years to his wife, Evelyn Sabrina Glover, of Robbinsville, NC, and their six children – Zoe, Annabelle, William, Ford, Mary, and Max. The Polites’ now hail from James Island, and attend Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Mt. Pleasant.

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