Born on February 22, 1988, in Jackson, Mississippi, First Sergeant Robert D. Powell enlisted in the United States Army on March 10, 2009. He underwent Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC, and later pursued Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK, earning the MOS 13D (Field Artillery AFATDS Specialist). After serving two years in this role, he reclassified as a 25L – Cable Systems Installer/Maintainer at Fort Gordon, GA, in 2012.
Throughout his military career, First Sergeant Powell held various key roles, including AFATDS Specialist at 1-41 Field Artillery Bravo Battery, Fort Stewart, GA; Senior Cable and Antenna Systems Specialist at 2nd BDE 1st Infantry Division HHC, Fort Riley, KS; Information Systems Supervisor at 580th Signal Company, As Sayliy, QA; and Instructor at Bravo Company, 369th Signal Battalion, Fort Gordon, GA. He also served in significant positions at the White House Communication in Washington, DC, and the Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, and as First Sergeant at Charlie Company, 369th Signal Battalion, Fort Eisenhower, GA.
1SG Powell's extensive training includes completing all levels of NCOES, including the Master Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, and Basic Leaders Course. He has also undergone specialized training in areas such as Sexual Assault Response Coordination, Hazardous Material, Communication Cable and Antenna Systems, Database Management, and CompTIA Security Plus. Additionally, he obtained his associate and bachelor’s degree in business management from American Military University.
His exceptional service has been recognized through numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Office Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Good Conduct Medal (5 Knots), NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Certificate of Achievement (4), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Service Badge, and Basic Instructor Badge.