A Brookston resident, former police officer and Pct. 2 Constable Michael J Ford was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Army this month.
His new official title reads, LTC Michael J. Ford, TXARNG, LG Commanding; LTC Ford has command over the 372nd CSSB, which is based in Dallas. He is in command of around 950 soldiers in the Battalion, to which the area spans from San Antonio to El Paso.
LTC Ford, who has an impressive resume, is first and foremost a servant to his country and community. He honorably retired from a 20-year career as a police officer with the Paris Police Department, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and as a Constable for Pct. 2 in Lamar County in 2018. However, it was the military that would bring him back into the field in more than one capacity, and branch.
Having served both in the National Guard and Army; LTC Ford said that his journey in the military goes back generations. As his father, great great great grandfather and so forth further back have all served.
“It is a great feeling to be able to serve your country that has given so much to me. What began as an experiment has turned into a great career for me,” LTC Ford said.
LTC Ford, over his impressive military career, has not only worked his way to his new title, but he has also served overseas in Iraq after he was deployed when he was with the National Guard. It was after he retired from local law enforcement that had him re-enlist in the Army back in 2002.
During his many years of service, LTC Ford has obtained a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Education from Texas A & M Commerce. Through his military career he has also obtained; Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, Primary Leadership Development Course, Ordnance Officer Basic Course and Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, Army Command and Staff College and the Reserve Theatre Course.
Over the course of a multi-decade career, LTC Ford is considered highly decorated from his service in both the Army and National Guard. Decorations and awards earned are; Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal. National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War of Terrisiom Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (2nd), NCO Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device, Texas Federal Service Medal, Texas Combat Service Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Accompanied by friends and family on Oct. 19, at the ceremony, LTC Ford said he does not only feel proud of his achievements but also blessed to have had such a strong career in the U.S. Defence Force.
When it comes to inspiring the next generation of soldiers, LTC Ford said it is an honor to be able to serve your country.
“There is something deep within us that pushes us to serve something greater than ourselves,” he said, “those who can should consider giving back to a country and those that served before us, filling the gap that many can’t.”
