Today's Featured Biography

 
Gerald E. Ferguson, Jr.

Jerry enlisted in the US Navy in 1970 and served as a qualified Nuclear Submariner on board the USS Lafayette, SSBN 616. After discharge from the Navy he attended college briefly then he enlisted in the Army and was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division, FT Bragg North Carolina as an artilleryman in the 1st 321 FA. Jerry was commissioned a second lieutenant from Officers Candidate School, FT Benning, Georgia in April 1976.

His military and civilian education included completion of the General Officer CAPSTONE Course, Army Strategic Leadership Course, Army Force Management Course, Army War College, Armed Forces Staff College; Combined Arms and Services Staff School; Armor Officers Advanced Courses; Motor Officer Course; Armor and Infantry Officer Basic Courses, Airborne School and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography from Drake University, Des Moines Iowa.

While completing degree requirements at Drake University Jerry, was a member of the All Army Track and Field Team. He competed in the Hammer, Discus, and shot put events. Subsequently he was assigned to the 1st Battalion 35th Armor, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Federal Republic of Germany. During this tour, Jerry served as Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Company Commander Bravo Company and Battalion Operations Officer (S3). Upon leaving Germany, Jerry was assigned to Armor Branch, Military Personnel Center Alexandria, Virginia as a company grade assignment officer. Returning to Germany, Jerry was again assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division as the Assistant Brigade Operations Officer (S3). He returned to the 1st Battalion 35th Armor where he served as the Battalion Operations Officer (S3). Subsequently, Jerry was assigned as the Battalion Executive Officer (XO), 2nd Battalion 70th Armor. After leaving Germany, Jerry was assigned to the Joint Staff, J-36, Operations Team Four, National Military Command Center. During this period, he served as a Worldwide Desk Officer, Senior Operations Officer, and Senior Emergency Actions Officer. Jerry’s follow-on assignment was to the Command and Control Division of J-36 as Senior Operations Officer in the Emergency Procedures Section, Nuclear Command and Control Division. Jerry served as the Battalion Command Program Manager at the U.S. Total Army Personnel Command, Alexandria, Virginia. Jerry commanded the 1st Battalion 12th Cavalry, First Cavalry Division. He was subsequently selected to be the First Cavalry Division Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (G3). Upon completion of the War College Jerry served as the Deputy for Operations, USAREUR DCSOPS. Upon completion of command of the 98th Area Support Group, Wurzburg Germany Jerry assumed duties as the Chief of Staff 1st Cavalry Division FT. Hood, Texas. Upon selection to Brigadier General, assigned to the Pentagon, where Jerry was the Assistant Director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy G3 Army Staff. Jerry’s last assignment was the Director, Human Resources Policy Division G1 Army Staff.

Jerry's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak left clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal 2d Award, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon 3rd Award. Additionally, he is authorized to wear the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and is a Joint Service Officer (JSO), the Army Staff Badge, Army Air Crewman Badge, and Parachutist Badge. Jerry was awarded the Draper Combat Leadership award and is a member of the OCS Hall of Fame.

Jerry is a member of the Universal Solutions International Incorporated team. USI is a full-spectrum, senior consulting and professional services firm that specialize in assisting clients in matching their products, product placement technologies, services and capabilities with potential customers’ needs and requirements.

Jerry is married to the former Barbara Anne Stauss of Minot, North Dakota. They are in their 37th year of marriage. They have one daughter, Natalie Anne.

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