Lieutenant Colonel Derek Benz is a native of Kansas and is a graduate of Rockhurst University and the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2002 and was later accepted in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he earned a postgraduate degree. Lieutenant Colonel Benz was commissioned as an Engineer officer in 2006.
Over the past 22 years of service, Lieutenant Colonel Benz has completed combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and held several leadership and staff positions from a Platoon Leader, to the Headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and, most recently, the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy. His most noteworthy achievement is being a husband to his wife and a father to their two extraordinary children.
Lieutenant Colonel Benz holds a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s degree in theology, philosophy, and political science. He is also a credentialed Project Management Professional. Lieutenant Colonel Benz credits his numerous military awards to the outstanding Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers with whom he has served.
Lieutenant Colonel Benz cites his proudest achievement as watching his children succeed. His son is a musician, martial artist, illustrator, and Lego engineer. His daughter is a fencing and martial arts competitor with a love of mathematics and is an aspiring veterinarian. Lieutenant Colonel Benz and his wife married and started their shared Army adventure in 2006.
Command Sergeant Major Jeremy Badgett was born in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho and enlisted into the Army as a 12B, Combat Engineer. He attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
CSM Badgett has served as Combat Engineer, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Battalion S-3 NCOIC. His assignments include B co 299th EN BN (1BCT/4ID), B co 44th EN BN (2BCT/2ID), A co 8th EN BN (3BCT/1CD), F co and C co 35th EN BN (1 Engineer BDE), 630th EN co/7th EN BN (20th EN BDE), Enlisted Engineer Branch, 541st Engineer company (14th EN BN/555 EN BDE), 18th EN co (3BCT/2ID), A co 23rd BEB (1BCT/2ID), 911th EN company, HHC 7th BEB (1BCT/10th MTN), HHC 2-14 IN BN (2BCT/10th MTN). CSM Badgett has deployed once in support Operation Iraqi Freedom and two deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
CSM Badgett’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (9), Army Good Conduct Medal (7), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Bronze SS), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award (2), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award and Combat Action Badge.
CSM Badgett’s military education includes the Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, 1SG/CDR Course, graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Course, Mountain Warfare School, Army Combative Course Level I, Route Clearance and Reconnaissance Sapper Course, Battle Staff Course, Master Resiliency Trainer Course, Drill Sergeant School, the Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, and Rescue Technician I and II.
CSM Badgett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership and Work Force Development from the Command and General Staff College.
CSM Badgett is married and has two children.