Faculty and Staff

LTC Richard White (Email LTC White)

Professor of Military Science/MS IV Instructor

Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. White is a native of Albertville, Alabama.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science upon graduation from Jacksonville State University in 1989 as a Distinguished Military Graduate.  In 1999 he was awarded a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University.

Initially assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, and Company Executive Officer.  During this tour he served in Operations Just Cause, Operation Hurricane Andrew Relief, Operation Dessert Shield and Operation Dessert Storm.  He commanded Aco 511 ABN PFDR at Ft Rucker, AL and was then assigned to FT Polk, LA were he Commanded Aco 509th ABN.  After completing an ROTC assignment at Jacksonville State University he was assigned in Korea where he served as the Commandant for Command Post TANGO.  He was then assigned to 1st Armored Division in Germany were he served as a Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Executive Officer and the Division Chief of Current Operations.  During this tour he served 15 months at Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Upon return to the states he was assigned to First Army HQ where he served as the J3 Forward for Joint Task Force Katrina and as the Executive Officer for the Commanding General of First US Army.   His most recent assignment was as the Battalion Commander of the 1-305th AR Task Force at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, MS where he trained all deploying RC Forces on Mounted Combat Operations and Mounted Gunnery, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 

LTC White's military education includes: the Command and General Staff College, the Combined Arms Service Course, the Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Course, SERE School, Pathfinder School, Jumpmaster School, Jungle Warfare School, Ranger School, Air Assault School, and Airborne School.

LTC White's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (one Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Achievement Medal,  the Army Achievement Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal (two Bronze Service Stars), Southwest Asia Service Medal (two Bronze Service Star), the Iraq Campaign Medal,  the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)  the Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Valorous Unit Award, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation. Qualification badges include the Combat Infantry Badge (2nd Award), the Master Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the coveted Ranger Tab.

He is married to the former Coni Dee Wines of Indianapolis.  They have one daughter Valerie who is 6.  

 

 

 

  

LTC Greg Pass (Email LTC Pass)

MS I Instructor/Executive Officer & Personnel Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Pass is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps. He holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. After graduation, Lieutenant Colonel Pass' first assignment was as an Executive Officer with the 22nd Replacement Detachment at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He subsequently served in a variety of Command and Staff positions with 6/12 Calvary Regiment at Fort Knox, Kentucky; 7th Brigade, 100th Division (IT) at Fort Knox, Kentucky; 6th Brigade, 100th Division (IT) in Louisville, Kentucky; 9th Battalion, 100th Division (IT) in Nashville, Tennessee; 640th Area Support Group in Nashville, Tennessee; 8th Brigade, 100th Division (IT) at Fort Knox, Kentucky; 81st Regional Readiness Command in Birmingham, Alabama; Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Third Army in Bagram, Afghanistan and Third Army at Fort McPherson, Georgia. Lieutenant Colonel Pass has completed two combat tours in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan respectively. He is from Severna Park, Maryland and is married to his wife Tammy Pass of Livingston, Tennessee.

LTC Pass' military education includes: Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and Airborne School

LTC Pass' awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Afghan Campaign Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), and Parachutists Badge

Major Dean Shackelford (Email MAJ Shackelford)

Recruiting Enrollment Operations Officer

Major Lowell Dean Shackelford received his commission through the Officer Candidate School.  He has held numerous staff and leadership positions including 2nd National Police Division Transition Team Logistical Advisor, Battalion XO, Agency Headquarters Commander, Company Executive Officer, Plans and Program Officer, Freight Officer, Engineer Project Officer and Platoon Leader.  Major Shackelford's military schooling includes Engineer Officer Basic Course, Transportation Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Staff and Services School, and Command and General Staff College. His awards and decorations include The Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Army Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Training Overseas Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M device and Combat Action Badge.  Major Shackelford earned his degree in Human Resource Management from Faulkner University.  He is married to the former Trina Pitts and they have two children.

 

CPT Paul Painter(Email CPT Painter)

Operations Officer

Captain Paul Painter enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard on 28 September 1998 as a 13F, Forward Observer, in the 1/178th FA, Clinton, SC. After obtaining the rank of Private First Class, Captain Painter decided to contract with Presbyterian College Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Captain Painter is a graduate of Newberry College, class of 2000, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. Following graduation, Captain Painter accepted a commission in the South Carolina Army National Guard and was assigned to the 132nd Military Police Company in Columbia, SC as a Platoon Leader. Captain Painter attended the Military Police Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. December 2001, Captain Painter was selected to mobilize and deploy with to 133rd Military Police Company where he served as a Platoon Leader providing Force Protection at Fort Stewart, GA in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Upon completion on that tour, Captain Painter again mobilized with the 132nd Military Police Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, while serving as part of Joint Task Force GTMO, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After returning from back to back deployments in November 2003, Captain Painter was assigned as the Executive Officer and Headquarters Platoon Leader of the 132nd Military Police Company and attended the Military Police Officer Advance Course. In November 2004 Captain Painter was assigned to the 251st Rear Area Operations Center (RAOC) as Assistant Operations and MP liaison Officer. While serving in that assignment he attended Combined Arms Exercise (CAX). December 2005 Captain Painter was assigned as the Commander of the 132nd Military Police Company. In May 2007 Captain Painter mobilized and deployed the 132nd Military Police Company to East Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Painter relinquished Command October 2008 and was reassigned as Assistant Operations Officer of the 51st MP BN. December 2008 Captain Painter transferred to the US Army Reserves and was assigned as Operations Officer for 2nd BN 345th Regiment (CS/CSS). May 2009 Captain Painter was ordered to active duty for operational support at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL.

Captain Painter's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hourglass.

Master Sergeant Jerry Laitinen (Email MSG Laitinen)

Master Sergeant Laitinen is a native of Old Hickory, TN. He holds a Master's of Science in Management from Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, a Bachelors of Business Administration from McKendree University in Lebanon, IL, and an Associate's Degree in General Studies with the University of Maryland (European Campus). He entered the U.S. Army in 1984 as a 19K Armor Crewman at Fort Knox, KY. He has served in leadership positions of Tank Gunner, Tank Commander, Drill Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Operations Sergeant, Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor, and Company First Sergeant five times on three different continents. He has worked as an attaché to the U. S. Treasury Department's Secret Service for Executive Security. He has been a leader in units that include the 4th and 8th Infantry Division, 1st and 3rd Armored Division and the U.S. Army Armor Center at Fort Knox. He is a veteran of all three campaigns of Desert Storm. MSG Laitinen is a member of the prestigious Order of Saint George Patron of Armor, Sergeant Morales Club and an honorary member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. MSG Laitinen currently serves as the JSU ROTC "Gamecock" Senior Military Instructor.

MSG Laitinen's military education includes: the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer's Courses, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant's School, U. S. Army First Sergeant's Course, Combat Life Saver's Course, Tank Commander's Certification Course, Tank Crew Evaluator's Course, and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Equal Opportunity Advisor's Course. MSG Laitinen has also completed the U. S. Army Battle staff non-resident course.

MSG Laitinen's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal (one Bronze Service Star), Southwest Asia Service Medal (three Bronze Service Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), and the Army Valorous Unit Award. Qualification badges include the Drill Sgt Badge, Expert Pistol Marksmanship Badge, and Distinguished Tank Qualification Award He is married to the former Teresa Lynn Hilton of Cecilia, Kentucky. Together they have three children Alex and Heather who are 20 years old and Andrew who is 19.

 

SFC Kenneth W. Mercer

Sergeant First Class Mercer is a native of New Manchester, WV. He entered the U.S. Army in 1988 as a 11B Infantryman at Fort Benning, GA. He has served in leadership positions of Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant (G9) and Recruiter. He has been a leader in units that include the 7th, 25th and 101st Infantry Division's He is a veteran of Operation Just Cause (Panama) , Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). SFC Mercer currently serves as the JSU ROTC "Gamecock" Operations Sergeant.

SFC Mercer's military education includes: the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer's Courses, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, U.S. Army Recruiter School, Combat Life Saver's Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Jungle Operations School, Combat Leader's Course.

SFC Mercer's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (six Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global war on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal the Multinational Force & Observer Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Qualification badges include the Recruiter Badge, Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd award), Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge. He is married to the former Selena Lorraine Bell of McDowell, Kentucky. Together they have one child Brittany who is 11 years old.

 

SFC Michael Brandon Dukes

SFC Michael Brandon Dukes is an Army Brat most native to Tampa, Florida and Manhattan, Kansas. SFC Dukes entered the U.S. Army in 1998 as an 88M Motor Transport Operator at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. SFC Dukes first assignment was with the 89th RSC 450th Trans BN (MC) where he quickly rose through the ranks while serving with the 321st MCT, and 541st Trans DET, after gaining 88N Traffic Management Coordinator as an additional MOS. SFC Dukes also holds 79R U.S. Army Recruiter as an MOS and spent over 7years with the 3rd Brigade, Chicago Recruiting BN, Downers grove Recruiting Co. SFC Dukes has served in many positions in the Recruiting Command to include Unit Prevention Leader, Downers Grove RCTG Station Assistant Station Commander, Aurora RCTG Stn Station Commander, and Lyons RCTG Stn Station Commander.

SFC Dukes' military Schools include, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer's Course, Recruiter Trainer Course, and the Unit Prevention Leader's Course.

SFC Dukes' awards and Decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster) the Army Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters) the Good Conduct Medal with one knot, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Roman Numeral 3, the Army Service Ribbon, the Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon with Roman Numeral 3, The Army Superior Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Gold Recruiters Badge with 3 Sapphire Stars, The Recruiter Ring, and the Glen E. Morrell Award. Qualification include the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and the Expert Drivers Badge.

SFC Dukes is married to Natalia C. Higgins of Manhattan, Kansas. Together they have 4 children, Nakia (7), Tyanna (5), Michael Jr. (4), and Elijah (23 months).

 

SFC Ricky Jenkins

SFC Jenkins graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor's degree majoring in finance. He came to Jacksonville State University in the fall semester of 2006 as an Alabama National Guard representative to work with Simultaneous Membership Cadets. SFC Jenkins is the assistant Basic Rifle Marksmanship instructor at JSU. His military service assignments and awards are as follows:

HHC 1/507th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, GA. Assignments within the U.S. Army Recruiting Command in the Montgomery Battalion and since 2004 SFC Jenkins has worked as a recruiter for the Alabama Army National Guard. SFC Jenkins' Professiional military education includes The Career Recruiter Development Course, The United States Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Basic Course, The U.S. Army Recruiting Course at Fort Jackson, SC., Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Development Course, Primary Leadership Development Course and Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His military medals include The Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medals, and The Army Service Ribbon. Awards include The U.S. Army Gold Recruiting Badge with three sapphires and The Alabama Army National Guard Senior Recruiting Badge. SFC Jenkins was born in Marshall County Alabama is married to his high school sweetheart and has two boys.

 

Mr. Richard Tatum (Email Mr. Tatum)

Supply Technition / BRM Instructor
Sergeant Major Retired Richard E. Tatum entered the Army in 1962 at Fort Jackson, S.C. He served in a variety of positions throughout his career, including first sergeant, battalion operations sergeant, and adjutant in infantry, signal, military police, and assignment at the Pentagon where he served as special assistant to the Sergeant Major of the Army. He was a member of the Sergeant Morales Club in Europe. He served 19 months continuous duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon promotion to Sergeant Major he assumed the role of senior military instructor at Jacksonville State University. He retired from that position in April 1989.

He went on to serve as a training program administrator for a 325 bed hospital in Georgia. He retired from that position after 15 years service. His last position prior to returning to the Gamecock Battalion was directing the training programs for the COBRA Live Nerve Agent Training Facility, Center for Domestic Preparedness.

He has a BA degree from the University of Maryland and a Masters Degree from Central Michigan University. His wife is Elisabeth Reiche Tatum and he have one daughter, Tatiana age 33.

 

Ms. Ellen Hartsaw (Email Ms. Hartsaw)

Human Resources Technician

Mrs. Hartsaw graduated with honors from Jacksonville State University in 2002.  She has worked as a Human Resources Technician at Jacksonville State University ROTC Department since September 1981.  She is currently married to Bob Hartsaw, formerly from Bartow, Florida.  Together they have five children and nine grandchildren.

 

    Ms. Cathy Guerra  (Email Ms. Guerra)  Human Resources Technician

Cathy earned her Bachelor's of Science with honors in Criminal Justice at Jacksonville State University, April 1995.  She also earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education at Jacksonville State University, April 2004.  GO GAMECOCKS!!

Cathy is a retired SFC/E7 from the Alabama Army National Guard where she held the position of PAC NCOIC, Personnel Training Sergeant for the 200th Regiment Leadership Brigade at Fort McClellan, Alabama.  She has taught seventh and fifth grade for public schools and G.E.D. classes for the former Alabama Youth challenge.

She is married to Daniel Guerra and together they have two children Chaz, 18 and Ariel, 14.  The Guerra's reside in Oxford, Alabama where their children attend school at Oxford High School.   GO JACKETS!!