Command Sergeant Major

Command Sgt. Maj. Roger A. Velarde enlisted in the Army on 17 March 1987 as a Combat Medical Specialist. He has held numerous duty positions and assignments during his career to include: Training NCO USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Md.; Intelligence, Plans, and Operations NCO, which involved Temporary Duty to Seoul Korea, MRDC, Fort Detrick, Md.; Drill Sergeant, 232nd Medical Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Senior Instructor/Writer, Flight Medical Aidman course, School of Aviation Medicine, Fort Rucker, Ala.; Detachment 1st Sgt., 1st Support Battalion, Sinai, Egypt; 1st Sgt., 498th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), Fort Benning, Ga.; 1st Sgt., 68th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), 3/4 Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Operations Sgt. Maj., 30th Medical Brigade, Heidelberg, Germany; Command Sgt. Maj., 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, Wiesbaden, Germany; Command Sgt. Maj., Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, Kan., and Command Sgt. Maj.1st Medical Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

His military and civilian education includes the Medical Specialist Course, Primary Leadership and Development Course, Basic and Advanced NCO Courses, Flight Medical Aidman Course, Drill Sergeant Course, Aeromedical Evacuation Officers Course, Aviation Life Support Equipment Technician Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Repel Masters Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Small Group Instructor Course, First Sergeant Course, Air Force Altitude Physiologist Apprentice Course, Air Force Hyperbaric/Dive Medic Course, USU Medical Executive Skills Course, Sergeant Major Academy, and the Command Sergeant Major Course. He holds a degree in Emergency Medical Services in the Paramedic program, and in Business Administration.

Command Sgt. Maj. Velarde’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award/1st Silver Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2nd Award), Multinational Forces and Observers Medal (2nd Award), and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Basic and Senior Aviation Badge, Airborne Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drivers Badge-wheeled, Air Force Altitude Physiology Apprentice Badge, Order of Military Medical Merit Medallion, Honorable Order of St. Michael Medallion, German Gold Schutzenschnur (Marksmanship Award) and German Proficiency Gold Badge.