Speaker and Meeting Recap:
Our speaker for March, 2009 was Colonel Mark N. Campsey, Commander of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard. In 1981 COL Campsey began his military career as an enlisted soldier in 2-142IN but two years later was commissioned in the Infantry from West Texas State University. He went on to serve as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Co XO and Infantry Co Cdr in C Company 2-142IN. In 1993 he was reassigned as the Senior Instructor for the TXARNG OCS program where he trained the future leaders of the Texas Army National Guard until 1993.
From 1993 to 2001, COL Campsey served in many staff positions that included; assistant G3 Plans in 49AD, S1 and S3 in 3-112AR Bn, Program Manager for the Multi-Component program in the 4ID at Fort Hood, and Bde XO in the 3d Bde, 49AD. In July 2001, COL Campsey assumed command of the 1-112AR and mobilized his battalion for over a year in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE II and ARMORED FALCON.
Following Battalion Command he was reassigned as the G3 for 49AD and then as the Division Chief of Staff where he served until attending the US Army War College from June 2004-June 2005. Following graduation COL Campsey was activated and deployed to serve as the Chief of Staff for Kosovo Forces (KFOR7) Multi-National Brigade (East). He currently serves as the Deputy Commander, 72 Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star device, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M”, “2” and Bronze Hourglass devices, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, The Army Superior Unit Award, The Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, the Parachutist’s Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and various other federal and state awards. COL Campsey has been awarded the Order of Saint George by the U.S. Armor Association.
COL Campsey holds a BS degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Strategic Studies. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Staff Services School, Command and General Staff College, Battalion and Brigade Pre-Command Courses, and the Tactical Commanders Development Course. He is a 2005 resident graduate of the US Army War College.
COL Campsey is married to the former Allyson Leigh Wallis of Houston, Texas. They live in Richmond, Texas with their daughter Taylor and son Trevor.
