Brigadier General Wendell B. McLain was born in Lineville, Alabama. His military career started in 1968 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM, he deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq with the 1659th Transportation Detachment. During his more than 5 year tenure as commander of the 31st Chemical Brigade, the Brigade trained, deployed and redeployed over 1,200 Soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq. During Hurricane Rita, he assumed command of Task Force ALABAMA and deployed with over 1,200 Soldiers to Southwest Louisiana, where they provided engineer, security and food/water distribution support for over 5 weeks.

Furthermore, as Commander of the 31st, Brigadier General McLain developed ties with Fort Leonard Wood that helped carve out the future of the Brigade in the CBRN arena. Through active participation in the Chemical Brigade Training Council, he was able to lead the development of Mass Casualty DECON training at the Terry Facility for over 50 Soldiers from the 31st Chemical Brigade.

Brigadier General McLain’s awards and ribbons include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), the Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), the Army Achievement Medal, the Parachute Badge and the Expert Infantryman Badge.

Today, Brigadier General McLain continues to stay active by serving on the Chemical Corps Regimental Association Board as Vice President-Reserve Component Affairs. He still mentors officers and commanders that are serving with the 31st Chemical Brigade and the Alabama National Guard.