CW2 James G. Hopkins
CW2 James Hopkins entered military service October 19, 1990 enlisting into the United States Marine Corps. He attended Basic Training at MCRD San Diego, CA. Following Marine Combat Training and School of Infantry he was assigned as an Anti-Tank Assault man to 2nd BN 5th Marines Camp Pendleton, CA. January through June 1991 he was deployed to Okinawa Japan. While assigned to 2nd BN 5th Marines he attended numerous military training courses to include Sapper Leader course, Applied Explosives & Demolitions (SOTG) and Combat Motorcycle Messenger course. As a member of Battalion Landing Team 2/5 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable he deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia. He participated in Operations Restore Hope, Quick Draw and Operation Distant Runner (NEO) Burundi and Rwanda. He achieved the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged from active duty October 1994.
In 2007 he re-entered military service with 103rd CM BN KYARNG. Additional assignments included NBC NCO 617th MP Company and Smoke Squad Leader 301st CM Company. June 2013 he was assigned CBRN NCO 151st MP BN (WVARNG) and promoted to Sergeant First Class. June 2015 to February 2017 he was assigned to the Joint Interagency Training and Education Center (JITEC) St. Albans, WV. While assigned to JITEC, CW2 Hopkins trained and evaluated National Guard CBRN Response Enterprise Units. In May 2017 he was assigned to the 440th Hazard Response Company 145th CM BN 31st CM BDE (Dixie Brigade) ALARNG. Additionally he served as Operations Officer 46th (AL) CBRN Enhanced Force Package (CERFP).
CW2 Hopkins deployed twice to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
His Professional Military Education includes Warrior Leader Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Advanced Leaders Course and CBRN Warrant Officer Basic Course and various other military leadership courses.
CW2 Hopkins’ awards include a Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and numeral “2” device, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “2” device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral “2” device, Sea Service Ribbon with bronze star, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Action Badge