Mark Olinger

Mark Olinger

Mount Vernon, Texas, United States
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The Big Bear Group, LLC

About

Distinguished executive and leadership background with over 30 years of experience in…

Articles by Mark

  • How many birds can you find? Join the 25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
    Jan 25, 2022

    How many birds can you find? Join the 25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

    The 25th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is free, it is fun, and it helps scientific research, by that engaging bird…

  • 246 Years of Selfless Service to the Nation: The U.S. Army
    Jun 14, 2021

    246 Years of Selfless Service to the Nation: The U.S. Army

    June 14 marks the 244th birthday of the U.S.

  • The Guns Went Silent
    Aug 14, 2020

    The Guns Went Silent

    General Douglas MacArthur received the announcement of Japan's capitulation with an expression of deep gratitude: I…

  • Remembering D-Day in Pictures
    Jun 5, 2019

    Remembering D-Day in Pictures

    Despite unfavorable weather forecasts, General Dwight D. Eisenhower made the decision to attack on 6 June 1944.

    2 Comments
  • Arabian horses and Cal Poly, Pomona
    Sep 20, 2017

    Arabian horses and Cal Poly, Pomona

    The California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly, Pomona) location has long been associated with the…

  • All the Way!
    Aug 16, 2017

    All the Way!

    National Airborne Day is observed each year on August 16. Designated by the United States Congress, National Airborne…

    10 Comments
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Contributions

Activity

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Experience

  • The Big Bear Group, LLC

    Mount Vernon, Texas

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    Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

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    Mount Vernon, Texas

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    Fort Belvoir, Virginia

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    Naval Support Activity, Bahrain

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    Baghdad, Iraq

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    Fort Polk, LA and Iraq

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    Republic of Korea

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    Fort George G. Meade, MD

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    Fort Bragg, NC; Arabian Gulf; Panama; and Southwest Asia

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    Fort Campbell, KY

Education

  • National War College Graphic

    National War College

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    Regional concetration: Latin America
    Field Study: Colombia and Peru

    Presentation “The Geo-strategy of Free Trade”, to a seminar at the National War College, 15 March 2006.

    Presentation “Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistani Gas Pipelines: A Shift in the Energy Calculus?”, to a seminar at the National War College, 8 February 2006.

    Presentation “Shaping the Military’s Role in Reducing Recidivism in Fragile/Failed States”, to a seminar at the National War College, 30…

    Regional concetration: Latin America
    Field Study: Colombia and Peru

    Presentation “The Geo-strategy of Free Trade”, to a seminar at the National War College, 15 March 2006.

    Presentation “Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistani Gas Pipelines: A Shift in the Energy Calculus?”, to a seminar at the National War College, 8 February 2006.

    Presentation “Shaping the Military’s Role in Reducing Recidivism in Fragile/Failed States”, to a seminar at the National War College, 30 November 2005.

    Presentation “Toward Greater Peace, Security, and Democracy: A Trio of Weak States the Andean Ridge”, to a seminar at the National War College, 7 November 2005.

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    Activities and Societies: Delta Sigma Pi, Army ROTC, National Model United Nations

Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • Volunteer

    Great Backyard Bird Count

    - Present 13 years

    Environment

    I volunteer in two ways; first I count birds multiple times during each day of the event. Second, I spread the word to family, friends, associates, and others by asking people to count birds at least once for 15 minutes during the four day event. It is fun, easy, raises awareness of birds, and provides an important record of where the birds are; a record that scientists can use well into the future to track how birds are faring as their environments change.

Publications

  • Chapter 4: Airpower and the Targeting of a Nation's Energy Infrastructure

    Airpower and the Environment: The Ecological Implications of Modern Air Warfare (Air University Press) edited by Joel Hayward

    Chapter 4: Airpower and the Targeting of a Nation's Energy Infrastructure focuses on the targeting and attacking of energy infrastructure using World War II, Vietnam, and the strategic bombing of Iraq in 1991 as the historical foundation. Considerations for current and future use of air power in attacking energy infrastructure is discussed. At question is whether targeting energy infrastructures might be useful, and if so, what to attack, when, the collateral effects, impact on the…

    Chapter 4: Airpower and the Targeting of a Nation's Energy Infrastructure focuses on the targeting and attacking of energy infrastructure using World War II, Vietnam, and the strategic bombing of Iraq in 1991 as the historical foundation. Considerations for current and future use of air power in attacking energy infrastructure is discussed. At question is whether targeting energy infrastructures might be useful, and if so, what to attack, when, the collateral effects, impact on the environment, and the law of war implications.

    Edited by Professor Joel Hayward,Airpower and the Environment: The Ecological Implications of Modern Air Warfare analyses the complex relationship between modern air warfare, and the physical environment.

  • Organizing for War in Canada, 1812 – 1814: The U.S. Army Experience

    Ontario History

    This article examines the organizing, training, and equipping of divisions, brigades, and regiments in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. When the war began, Congress raised forces by expanding the Regular Army, authorizing the use of volunteers, and calling out the militia. In organizing the forces required both the federal and state governments used regimental organizations. The lack of trained personnel and the short duration of campaigns would result in these regiments being organized…

    This article examines the organizing, training, and equipping of divisions, brigades, and regiments in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. When the war began, Congress raised forces by expanding the Regular Army, authorizing the use of volunteers, and calling out the militia. In organizing the forces required both the federal and state governments used regimental organizations. The lack of trained personnel and the short duration of campaigns would result in these regiments being organized into ad hoc brigades and divisions, which varied widely in strength from as small as in the hundreds to a few thousand. Most of the units assigned to them had little training and were poorly equipped, creating largely ineffective fighting forces. Against this background, the types of regiments, brigades and divisions the U.S. Army employed in the campaigns against Upper and Lower Canada, a comparison of the effectiveness of the militiamen and regulars, and the significance of the battles in the Niagara River area, will be covered.

  • Oil imports, prices, and offshore drilling

    Longview News-Journal.com

    Americans use more than a gallon of gasoline every day for every man, woman and child in the nation. Gasoline is one of the major fuels consumed in the United States and the main product refined from crude oil. Annual consumption is in excess of 137 billion gallons and accounts for about 62 percent of all energy used for transportation. But only about 34 percent of the crude oil used by U.S. refineries is produced in the United States. The rest is imported. Development of our nation’s domestic…

    Americans use more than a gallon of gasoline every day for every man, woman and child in the nation. Gasoline is one of the major fuels consumed in the United States and the main product refined from crude oil. Annual consumption is in excess of 137 billion gallons and accounts for about 62 percent of all energy used for transportation. But only about 34 percent of the crude oil used by U.S. refineries is produced in the United States. The rest is imported. Development of our nation’s domestic energy resources would grow the economy, create jobs, and make America safer; all of which would be a significant contribution to our nation’s economic strength and national security. If we want to achieve energy security, do we have an option not to drill offshore?

    See publication

  • “US Army Mobilization During the Korean War and Its Aftermath”

    Land Warfare Paper No. 70W, Association of the United States Army

    This paper explores the troop movements that occurred after World War II, in the initial stages of the Cold War and during the Korean War, and the impact of that restructuring on the Army then and now. The Army’s experience during the Korean War, in terms of readiness and funding requirements, led to a lesson learned—“No more Task Force Smiths!”

    See publication

  • “Logistics and the Combatant Commander: Meeting the Challenge”

    Land Warfare Paper No. 68, Association of the United States Army

    Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom confirm that future operations will be jointly executed, with each service component lending its unique and important capabilities to the joint battle plan. Findings from a variety of joint and service-sponsored assessments cite shortcomings to operational effectiveness because there is no joint theater logistics command or management capability.

    This paper discusses the logistics command and control (C2) challenges the combatant commander…

    Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom confirm that future operations will be jointly executed, with each service component lending its unique and important capabilities to the joint battle plan. Findings from a variety of joint and service-sponsored assessments cite shortcomings to operational effectiveness because there is no joint theater logistics command or management capability.

    This paper discusses the logistics command and control (C2) challenges the combatant commander and his staff must address. The character and conduct of future conflicts makes the current approach of conducting distinct service sustainment operations unacceptable. This evolving operating environment requires a different joint logistics management process and C2 structure.

    See publication

  • "Conceptual Underpinnings of the Air Assault Concept: The Hogaboom, Rogers, and Howze Boards"

    Land Warfare Paper No. 60, Association of the United States Army

    This paper assesses the boards used by the Army and Marine Corps in the development of air assault forces between the Korean War and July 1965. First, it discusses the strategic environment and how the services were influenced by it. Second, it briefly outlines the growth of the air assault concept after the Korean War. Third is a series of discussions on the boards used by the services; an outline of the force structure and an analysis of the boards as potential models of transformation are…

    This paper assesses the boards used by the Army and Marine Corps in the development of air assault forces between the Korean War and July 1965. First, it discusses the strategic environment and how the services were influenced by it. Second, it briefly outlines the growth of the air assault concept after the Korean War. Third is a series of discussions on the boards used by the services; an outline of the force structure and an analysis of the boards as potential models of transformation are also presented. Finally, an analysis of the applicable theories and the strategic implications of air assault forces and their longterm efficacy concludes the paper.

    See publication

Courses

  • Canadian Basic Parachute Course, Canada

    1988

  • Energy and the Environment for Strategists

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  • Latin America and U.S. Policy

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  • Marine Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA

    1988

  • The Global Security Arena

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  • U.S. Army Aerial Delivery and Material Officers Course, Fort Lee, VA

    1987

  • U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course, Fort Benning, GA

    1984

  • U.S. Army Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, KS

    1991

  • U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS

    1994

  • U.S. Army Defense Strategy Course

    1998

  • U.S. Army Infantry Officer Basic Course, Fort Benning, GA

    1983

  • U.S. Army Operations Research Systems Analysis Course, Fort Lee, VA

    1991

  • U.S. Army Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, Fort Lee, VA

    1987

Projects

  • Overview of Defense Logistics Agency Energy Europe & Africa

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    Prepared a briefing that provided a family and employee owned maritime and logistics company an overview of DLA Energy's Europe and Africa Region.

  • Overview of DLA Energy

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    Prepared a briefing that provided a family and employee owned maritime and logistics company an overview of DLA Energy.

  • Mobile Petroleum Refinery

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    Prepared an information paper in response to a U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCM) Request for Information (RFI) for interested and qualified companies to provide a 100% mobile petroleum refinery loaded on flat-bed trailers that can operate from their trailers.

  • Small Business Suppliers in the Oil and Gas Industry

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    Prepared an information paper of a minority owned small business concerning small business suppliers and small refiners in the oil and gas industry.

  • Red Team Analysis - Bunker Proposal

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    The Big Bear Group conducted a Red Team Analysis of a multi-national company's submission proposal including: Offer Submission Package (including Cover Letter & Amendments); Offer Submission Package attachments (A-1 through D); Certificate of Analysis; Letters of Commitment; MSDS; and Attachments (Cyber Security Statement, POP Table of Contents, Fuel QC Table of Contents)

    Other creators

  • Strait of Hormuz is a global oil and gas chokepoint

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    The Strait of Hormuz is the key maritime transit route through which Persian Gulf exporters Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain ship their oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) lists the Strait of Hormuz as the world's most important chokepoint, with an oil flow of 18.5 million barrels per day. About 80% of the crude oil that moved through this chokepoint went to Asian markets, with China, Japan, India, South Korea and Singapore the largest destinations…

    The Strait of Hormuz is the key maritime transit route through which Persian Gulf exporters Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain ship their oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) lists the Strait of Hormuz as the world's most important chokepoint, with an oil flow of 18.5 million barrels per day. About 80% of the crude oil that moved through this chokepoint went to Asian markets, with China, Japan, India, South Korea and Singapore the largest destinations. With Japan, China, India and South Korea are the biggest buyers of the heavier sourer, or high sulfur, crudes the Middle East producers tend to supply.

  • Energy Savings Performance Contracts

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    Prepared an information paper concerning Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy Savings Performance Contracts. Energy savings performance contracts were established in 1998 to assist the Department of Defense and federal civilian agencies with using energy savings performance contracts to reduce energy demand. The DLA Energy’s mission is to provide the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

  • DLA Energy Procurement Process and Contract Review Procedures

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    For a multinational company prepared a paper that focused on the quality management areas that are required of a company bidding on Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy solicitations petroleum products, terminal operations, or storage facilities.

    Other creators

  • Environmental remediation contracts

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    Prepared an information paper concerning environmental remediation contracts with the Department of Defense.

  • Texas and the restoration of the Mississippi River Delta

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    Information paper prepared for congressional staffers that provided economic information concerning the restoration of the Mississippi River Delta and Texas. The Mississippi River Delta and Texas are vital to the success of the nation as powerful economic engines and invaluable environmental treasures. Every dollar spent on coastal restoration, federal, state, and local governments will save $4.00 in recovery, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency.

  • System for Award Management Registration Process

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    Prepared an information paper concerning the System for Award Management Registration Process in order to conduct business with the federal government.

  • Fully Burdened Cost of Fuel in Afghanistan

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    For a multinational company prepared a paper that provided information concerning the procurement/distribution of fuel that focused primarily on Afghanistan. Included was a discussion on the fully burdened cost of fuel.

  • Afghanistan Fuel Supply Chain

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    For a multinational company prepare a paper that provided information concerning fuel supply chain that supports U.S. and coalition military forces in Afghanistan.

  • Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts Small Refineries

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    For a small multinational company prepared a paper that provided information concerning the Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts small refineries.

  • Report on Government Business Opportunities

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    A report to the CEO of a small multinational company on business opportunities with federal, states, and local governments. The report was done obtain a complete analysis of potential fuel support bids for governmental/non-governmental organizations; establish a way ahead; determine size and scope of fuel division; provide fuel expert advice; and review potential fuel support requirements.

  • Bio-energy Company Current Capabilities

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    For a multinational company prepared a paper that provided information concerning a privately-held bio-energy company located in the United States. The bio-energy company plant will be comprised of a feedstock processing facility and a bio-refinery that will convert municipal solid waste feedstock into either a synthetic jet fuel or diesel.

  • Third Party Review - Bidding Documents

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    Conducted a third party review of the documents of six companies that were invited to bid on a supply and delivery of fuel contract for a multinational company.

  • Alternative Energy Analysis

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    Prepared a paper for a multinational company that provided information concerning Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy’s alternative energy research and development support to the military services, in addition to procurement activities.

  • U.S. Military’s Sustainment Industrial Base Report

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    The primary goal of this report was to gain a deeper understanding of the existing defense sustainment industrial base.

  • Biofuels Analysis

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    Prepared a paper for a multinational company that provided information concerning the commercial and Department of Defense biofuels purchases between 2011 and 2013

  • Red Team Analysis for a Woman-Owned Small Business specializing in Federal Government Contracting

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    Led a group of subject matter experts that performed a Red Team analysis and review of the technical proposal for compliance; including an evaluation of the proposals strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, a review of the proposed manning was conducted to determine if it is optimized for the mission and in compliance with the applicable regulation.

    Other creators

  • Biomass Plant Projects

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    Prepared a paper that provided information concerning biomass power plants in Lassen Valley, California.

  • Front End Analysis of Training and Readiness Authority

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    This information paper was written to assist the client in the implementation of training and readiness authority; flags and guidons; authorization guidelines for distinctive unit insignia; beret flashes and background trimmings; and unit awards.

  • Libyan Crude Oil Analysis

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    Provided information in defining the different crude oils, and identify specifically the types of Libyan crude oils that are available.

    Other creators

  • Amedee Geothermal Power Plant and Fort Sage Power Line

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    Provided information concerning the Amedee Geothermal Power Plant and Fort Sage Power Line located in the Lassen Valley in California.

  • Herlong Project Development

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    For a Native American tribe prepared a detailed report that looked at the viability of a myriad of projects to meet the future economic development needs of the tribe. Projects reviewed were in three broad areas: renewable energy; infrastructure development; and industrial park development and commercial real estate. Report analyzed where applicable the factors that determine the cost of renewable energy power plants, infrastructure, and industrial and commercial real estate development. An…

    For a Native American tribe prepared a detailed report that looked at the viability of a myriad of projects to meet the future economic development needs of the tribe. Projects reviewed were in three broad areas: renewable energy; infrastructure development; and industrial park development and commercial real estate. Report analyzed where applicable the factors that determine the cost of renewable energy power plants, infrastructure, and industrial and commercial real estate development. An appendix on the Clean Air Act was included in the report. A site survey was conducted.

  • Fuel/Energy Study

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    Prepared a fuel/energy study for a multi-national company to determine the feasibility of expanding into the fuel/energy sector. Study included a complete analysis of potential fuel support bids for governmental/non-governmental organizations; establishment a business plan; size and scope of a fuel division; provided fuel expert advice; and reviewed potential fuel support requirements in contingency/peacetime operations.

  • Safety and Spill Program

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    Developed a safety and spill program for a small family owned company to eliminate or mitigate unsafe acts caused by fire, prevent loss of life and property, and to comply with the acceptable industry standards on safety.

  • Analysis of Fuel Storage Terminals in Oman

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    Provided information and analysis concerning the feasibility of establishing Defense Fuel Support Points in support of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Commander Naval Forces Central Command in the Sultanante of Oman.

  • Developing a Petroleum Distribution Supply System

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    Provided information that is required in the planning, organizing, and operating of a petroleum distribution supply system in a developed or austere environment, in support of a government/non-governmental organization, NATO, United Nations, or military forces.

  • Economic Cost Analysis of an Energy Project

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    Provided information on the cost estimation requirements of an energy project in support of a government/non-governmental organization, NATO, United Nations, or military forces operating in an austere, developing, or developed environment.

  • Requirements for an Intermediate Storage Terminal

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    Provided information on the requirements in establishing an intermediate storage terminal in support of a NATO, United Nations, or military forces operating in an austere environment.

  • Fire Prevention Plan

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    Developed a Fire Prevention Plan for a family owned multinational business to eliminate the causes of fire, prevent loss of life and property by fire, and to comply with the acceptable industry standards on fire prevention.

  • General Fuel Operations

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    Provided information concerning general fuel operations in support of NATO, the United Nations, or military forces operating in an austere environment.

  • Environmental Impact of Tree Trimming

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    Provided information concerning the potential impact of tree trimming by utility companies in rural Northeast Texas.

  • Fuel Infrastructure Project Review Board

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    Co-Chaired the Fuel Infrastructure Project Review Board which is responsible for the allocation of military construction funding and project priorities for fuel/energy infrastructure for Fiscal Year 13 and revalidation for Fiscal Year 2010 - 2012. Results allowed for the funding of critical projects vital to national security around the globe.

    Other creators

Honors & Awards

  • Distinguished Member of the Corps

    U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Honors Program - Office of the Quartermaster General

    The Distinguished Member of the Corps award honors select individuals who have made "Distinguished Contributions to the Quartermaster Corps," and who, by virtue of prestige, status and experience, will assist in fostering pride and esprit, heritage and tradition.

  • Third Place, 2018 Cold War Essay Contest

    John Adams ’71 Center for Military History & Strategic Analysis, Virginia Military Institute

    Awarded for my entry, “The Road Taken: U.S. Policy and the Yemen Civil War, 1962-1963.” The essay examined the U.S. policy toward the civil war in Yemen and relations with the UAR and Saudi Arabia. Material covered included the origins of the composite air strike force; the U.S. response to the overthrow of the Yemeni monarchy and subsequent civil war in that country; U.S. recognition of the Yemeni Republic in December 1962; U.S. efforts to mediate the conflict; and the deployment of a U.S…

    Awarded for my entry, “The Road Taken: U.S. Policy and the Yemen Civil War, 1962-1963.” The essay examined the U.S. policy toward the civil war in Yemen and relations with the UAR and Saudi Arabia. Material covered included the origins of the composite air strike force; the U.S. response to the overthrow of the Yemeni monarchy and subsequent civil war in that country; U.S. recognition of the Yemeni Republic in December 1962; U.S. efforts to mediate the conflict; and the deployment of a U.S. composite air strike force to Saudi Arabia in July 1963. With emphasis on U.S. relations with the UAR and Saudi Arabia, rather than on the situation in Yemen. Concluding with the U.S. seeking to assuage Saudi Arabia’s concerns for its security and the withdrawal of the composite air strike force.

  • Guest Speaker ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

    Braves Battalion, Alcorn State University

    Topic was duty, honor, courage, selfless service, and on becoming a commissioned officer.

  • Honorable Mention, 2017 Cold War Essay Contest

    John Adams ’71 Center for Military History & Strategic Analysis, Virginia Military Institute

    Awarded for my entry, “Thank God, We Never Had to Go to War with It: The Pentomic Division.” The essay examined the evolution of the Pentomic division, that was developed to fight and survive on the nuclear battlefield. Between 1953 and 1960, the Army undertook reorganization of its division force structure, and a means to perpetuate unit lineage and honors. Exercises would provide an opportunity to assess the Pentomic division. The lessons learned provide enduring examples to assist in the…

    Awarded for my entry, “Thank God, We Never Had to Go to War with It: The Pentomic Division.” The essay examined the evolution of the Pentomic division, that was developed to fight and survive on the nuclear battlefield. Between 1953 and 1960, the Army undertook reorganization of its division force structure, and a means to perpetuate unit lineage and honors. Exercises would provide an opportunity to assess the Pentomic division. The lessons learned provide enduring examples to assist in the development of future organizations.

  • Keynote Speaker, 3d Annual Fallen Warrior Ceremony

    Hap Arnold Masonic Lodge #457

    Tribute to the soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, and coastguardsmen who have fought and died for our country.

  • Keynote Speaker, 12th Annual Jake Simmons Freedom Award Dinner

    Republican Women of Northeast Texas

    Tribute to those men and women who have defended the Constitution.

  • Keynote Speaker, Veteran’s Day Ceremony Mount Vernon, Texas

    J.D. Baumgardner, et al ...

    Overview of the service of veterans at home and abroad; including the days leading up to November 11, 1918 involving the soldiers and marines of the 2d Division, American Expeditionary Force.

  • Keynote Speaker, Mississippi Army National Guard‘s Officer Candidate School Dining In

    Officer Candidate School Class 53

    Overview of the courage candor, and commitment of the National Guard.

Organizations

  • National Audubon Society

    Member

    - Present

  • Ducks Unlimited

    Member

    - Present

  • Life Member, Veterans of Forgein Wars

    -

    - Present

  • Life Member, Reserve Officers Association

    -

    - Present

  • Life Member, 101st Airborne Division Association

    -

    - Present

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