Colonel Keith P. Sandoval
COL Keith Sandoval is a native of Anchorage, Alaska and graduated from Seattle University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. He was commissioned in 2000 and attended the Initial Entry to Rotary Wing Aviator and Army Aviation Basic Officer’s course. In 2002, COL Sandoval was assigned to 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation in Aviano, Italy where he served as the Headquarters Platoon Leader, UH-60 Flight Platoon Leader and Operations Officer. In 2006, following the Aviation Captain’s Career Course, he was specially assessed and assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), where he served as a MH-60L DAP Platoon Leader (1-160th, 2007-2009), Headquarters Company Commander (1-160th, 2009-2010), Deputy Regimental Operations Officer (2010-2011), MH-60M Assault Company Commander (2-160th, 2011-2013), and Battalion Executive Officer (1-160th, 2013-2014).
In 2014, COL Sandoval was assigned to Washington, DC, where he served as an operations officer and executive officer, J3, Deputy Directorate for Special Operations and Counterterrorism (DDSO), The Joint Staff. From 2017-2018, he served as a branch Chief, Force Development, Aviation, DCS G-8, Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA). From 2018-2020, he served as the Commander, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment (Assault), 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea. From 2021-2023, he commanded Task Force 1-160th SOAR(A) at Fort Campbell, KY (USASOC). From 2023-2025 he served as the Chief of Operations, Army Operations Center, HQDA G3/5/7.COL Sandoval is a graduate of the Marine Corps War College (MCWAR) and the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from MCWAR and a Master’s in Diplomacy from Norwich University. His awards and qualifications include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (3OCL), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4OCL), Air Medal, Army Combat Action Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Airborne Badge and Air Assault Badge. He is married and has two children.