CSM Joseph E. Russell was born and raised in Seattle, WA and enlisted as an Infantryman in the United States Marine Corps in August 1995.
He conducted Boot Camp at MCRD, San Diego, CA and attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, CA. Honorably discharged, he enlisted as an Infantryman in the United States Army in May 2000.
He has served in every leadership position from Team Leader to BDE Operations Sergeant Major, and is the current CSM for 2nd BN, 10th Infantry Regiment.
His previous assignments include, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base, HI., 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA., 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, Fort Moore, GA., 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division Special Troops Battalion, Fort Bliss, TX., 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bliss, TX., 1st Armored Division Iron Training Detachment, Fort Bliss, TX., 1st Battalion 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO., and 4th Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Carson, CO, Fort Bliss, TX., 1st Battalion 37th Armor, and HHC BDE, 2/1 AD. He has deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and to Guam in 1996, in support of Operation Pacific Haven.
CSM Russell has completed BLC, ALC, Drill Sergeant School, Ranger School and SLC, and the Sergeants Major Academy. His civilian education includes a high school diploma, an Associate Degree in Science from Excelsior College, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Workforce Development from the Sergeants Major Academy.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (w/V device), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (w/V device), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation (1 OLC) , Army Superior Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal – Seventh Award, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
