Russell Armstead

Degree(s) & Awarding University:

Personal Bio :

First Sergeant Russell W. Armstead is a native of Alton, Illinois and a graduate from Alton Senior High School, Alton, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Army on 31 JAN 1989, and attended Basic Combat Training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon his graduation he was assigned to A Battery, 5/29th Field Artillery, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, as a 13E, Cannon Fire Direction Specialist.

                First Sergeant Armstead has served in a variety of leadership positions to include: Command Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Battalion Fire Control Sergeant, Observer Controller, and Chief Fire Direction.  He is currently assigned as a First Sergeant with Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas.

                First Sergeant Armstead’s stateside assignments include Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Fort Hood. His overseas assignments include Camp Stanley, Korea; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF I) with the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, GA.; and a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF IX) with the 1st Infantry Division.

                First Sergeant Armstead’s military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course; Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course; Air Assault Course; Equal Opportunity Representative Course; Drug and Alcohol Coordinator Course; Combat Life Saver Course; Instructor Training Course; and the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System Course. First Sergeant Armstead has also earned over 1000 credit hours in military correspondence courses. His civilian education includes a Bachelors of Arts in Legal Studies with a concentration in Environmental Law and Regulation (American Military University), a Master of Science in Environmental Policy & Management (American Military University), and an Oklahoma Real Estate License.

                First Sergeant Armstead’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1st oak leaf cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (3rd oak leaf cluster); Army Commendation Medal (5th oak leaf cluster); Army Achievement Medal (4th oak leaf cluster); Presidential Unit Citation Award; Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award); National Defense Service Medal “with battle star“; Korean Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2); Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Combat Action Badge; Air Assault Badge; and the Driver Badge. First Sergeant Armstead is also a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

                First Sergeant Armstead resides in Raleigh, North Carolina and is married to the former Pattie Williams; he is the loving and devoted father to their two children, Russell Jr. and Joi (ages 15 and 9).                                              

Darrell Johnson

Degree(s) & Awarding University:

Personal Bio : LTC Darrel Johnson was commissioned in May of 1996 into the Ordnance Corps, following his graduation from South Carolina State College where he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education.
LTC Johnson was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in September of 2006 and served in various positions culminated his career her as the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) TSC G4 for the past two years. Currently, he serves at the Senior Army Instructor for the newly established Junior Reserve Officer Training Course (JROTC) program at Millbrook High school in Raleigh, NC.
 LTC Johnson previous assignments include two tours in Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and at various U.S. post such as Fort Benning, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Bragg and Fort Gordon. He also served as an executive officer three consecutive times, once for the 1st   COSCOM, STB, Saint Augustine College ROTC, and 2nd 34thCS Regiment in Gordon. LTC Johnson prides himself for having survived the 3 R’s: Recruiting Company Commander, and ROTC Assistant PMS and served as the Executive officer of an AC/RC unit.
LTC Johnsons Award and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal (2 award); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (3 bronze stars), Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3 awards), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
His military education includes Ordnance Basic Course, Advance course, Leadership Executive Development Course and Command General Staff College.
LTC Johnson is married to Mrs Vickie Johnson and has three outstanding children, Stacie, Julian and Aleyha.