Thomas Kelly

COL Kelly was commissioned as a Regular Army Field Artillery officer through the University of Virginia Army ROTC program on 17 May 1986. He began his career with 4th Battalion, 77th Field Artillery in Germany.

In 1990, he joined the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), deploying during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as Fire Support Officer for 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry. He later served as Fire Direction Officer, Assistant S-3, and Commander of Battery B, 3-320th Field Artillery.

In 1994, he was assigned to the National Training Center as an Observer/Controller, coaching Army units in field artillery operations. He returned to Fort Sill as an Advanced Course Instructor before deploying to Bosnia in support of Operations Joint Guard and Joint Forge. Returning to the 101st Airborne Division in 1999, he served in several key field-grade positions, culminating as Executive Officer, Division Artillery.

In 2002, COL Kelly was assigned to the Air Force Command and Control Training and Innovation Group at Hurlburt Field and deployed with the 1st Battlefield Coordination Detachment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

From 2004 to 2006, he commanded 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, 10th Mountain Division, leading the battalion during combat operations in southern Baghdad. He subsequently served on the Army Staff, earning the Army Staff Identification Badge, and later as Executive Officer to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Accessions Command.

COL Kelly commanded the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment from 2009 to 2011, including a 13-month deployment supporting operations across the CENTCOM area. His final assignment was as Senior Army Advisor to the South Carolina National Guard.