CSM Ralph Messer
Biography
I grew up in central Illinois and attended school in Pontiac and received a degree in history from Illinois State University. I attended Basic Combat Training in 1976 in Ft. Dix, New Jersey and served in the U.S. Army, the Illinois National Guard, and the Tennessee State Guard. I have also been attached to the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy at various times. I attained the rank of Command Master Sergeant in the Tennessee State Guard. I have been a Company First Sergeant and a Battalion Sergeant Major, and a NCO in Charge of Division level personnel and training/operations.
Decorations
Pins: 123rd Infantry Regiment Unit Crest, Canadian Military Jump Wings, Army Trainer Personnel Unit Crest, Tennessee State National Guard Unit Crest
Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army National Guard Badge, Air Assault Badge, Army Master Aviation Badge, Army Excellence-in-Competition Pistol Shot Badge, Expert Marksman Badge with Rifle, Pistol, and Grenade Clasps
Medals, Left Breast-Top Row (L-R): Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star
2nd Row (L-R): Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal
3rd Row (L-R): Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
4th Row (L-R): Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal
5th Row (L-R): Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon
6th Row (L-R): Illinois Long and Honorable Service Medal, Illinois 2 year Attendance Medal, Illinois State Active Duty Medal, Tennessee State Guard Meritorious Service Medal
Bottom Row (L-R): Tennessee State Guard Commendation, Tennessee State Guard Enlisted Achievement Medal, Tennessee State Guard Attendance Ribbon, Cold War Veterans Ribbon
Right Breast-Top Row (L-R): Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Illinois National Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation
Bottom Row (L-R): Tennessee State Guard Meritorious Unit Award, Tennessee State Guard Unit Commendation, Tennessee State Guard Civil Action Unit Award
Patches: Ranger Tab, Tennessee State National Guard Patch, Marine Corps 2nd Marine Division Patch
Cords: Infantry Blue Cord
Stripes: Service Stripes (9)
