Ed served in the U.S. Army from 1982 until 2005. He retired with over 20
years of active duty service. Throughout his career, the military provided
many opportunities for service, and broadened the scope of his experience
and training.
After basic training Ed attended training as an intelligence analyst and later
graduated from the Defense Language Institute. His first posting was in
Augsburg, Germany. Later Ed served in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort
Carson, Colorado. This early enlisted service provided a base of both
strategic and tactical intelligence experience. Ed rose to be a Sergeant
and takes great pride in his service as a Non-Commissioned Officer. While
on promotable status to Staff Sergeant, Ed left active duty in 1987 to
pursue ROTC training at the University of Akron.
At Akron Ed enjoyed great success. During his time there he excelled in his
training and was recognized as the university's President Award winner. He
served as the Cadet Battalion Commander and received numerous awards
for military and academic excellence. While studying at Akron, Ed served in
the 107th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Ohio National Guard. He
completed his undergraduate studies and ROTC training in 24 months. Ed
received a Regular Army commission and was promoted to Second
Lieutenant in May, 1989.
As a commissioned officer, Ed reentered active duty and first completed
Army helicopter flight training. He transitioned to the UH-60 Black Hawk and
thrived as an aviator. Ed deployed immediately after flight school to Saudi
Arabia and Iraq in Operations Desert Shield/Storm and served in the 5/6
Cavalry Squadron. Ed served in the 101st Airborne Division and remains
extremely proud of his service in that legendary unit. Service as an officer
and aviator took Ed to more than 20 countries. He served in many staff
assignments and commanded the Army's largest Black Hawk helicopter
company while stationed in Panama. He completed a Master of Public
Affairs at the University of Wisconsin while on active duty. A highlight of
Ed's service was an assignment on the faculty of West Point, a posting that
allowed him special duty at the White House Office of Homeland Security.
His very brief time there was centered on the development of the Homeland
Security Threat Advisory System. Ed takes special pride in contributing to
this resource. (http://www.dean.usma.edu/sosh/outreach.htm) The latter
part of Ed's career included numerous staff assignments.
Military service was a great fit for Ed. His public service helped to shape
and define him in many ways. He retired as a Major and received many
awards and decorations--including four awards of the Army Meritorious
Service Medal.
edackerman
