James Allen

James Allen is a native of Silsbee, Texas. In 1987 he attended both Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He joined the US Army Reserve in March of 1987 and the Regular Army in September of 1991, where he is retired Dec 2012 as a First Sergeant.

In his 21-year career, he has served in nearly every enlisted leadership position from Combat Engineer to HHC 1SG. His special assignments include Drill Instructor at Fort Jackson, Observer Controller at the National Training Center, and NCOIC of a MITT Team in Basra Iraq. Mr. Allen has one overseas tour in Germany and two tours in Iraq.

His military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic NCO Course, Advanced NCO Courses, 1SG Course, Sapper Leader Course, Air Assault, Rappel Master and Combatives Level 1 and 2. His civilian education consists of an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management from Barstow Community College. He is currently working on a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (7 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC); Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award); Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; National Defense Ribbon; Iraqi Campaign Ribbon; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Award; Global War On Terrorism Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3th Award); Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon; Valorous Unit Award; Army Superior Unit Award; Combat Action Badge; Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant ID Badge; and the Sapper Leader Tab.

He has two daughters 18 and 16.