Mr. Les Stroud Jr

Title: Human Resource Tech
Dept/Program: Army ROTC
Phone: 330-972-8262
Email: lstroud@uakron.edu

Biography

Les Stroud Jr. is a native of Hannibal, Missouri. He joined the USAF as a Security Policeman on 16 July 1987 at the age of 18. While in the USAF he served as a Security Specialist for Air Base Ground Defense Squadron at Nellis AFB, NV from 1987-1990. Also while stationed at Nellis he was deployed TDY as a SP in support of Operation Just Cause. While deployed in Panama he secured Ft. Clayton and Howard AFB and assisted in the capture of Manuel Noriega and his associates. Before leaving the USAF active component he was deployed as an SP in support of Turkish Air Bases (Izmir and Balikesir AB) during Desert Storm/Shield from Sep 1990-Oct 1991. While at Balikesir he secured a large Turkish AFB from Iraqi resistance and possible terrorists and assisted the Turkish Military in its efforts to keep Iraqi citizens safe and keep unknown terrorists from coming in and out of Iraq.

From 1992-2000 he served in the United States Army National Guard as an Enlisted Military Policeman reaching the rank of SSG. While attending Kent St University he joined and completed the ROTC program; graduating top third in his class and was commissioned as a 2LT in the Army National Guard in May 2002.

Upon MPOBC graduation Les was deployed to OIF 1 and 2 for 18 months as a Military Police Platoon Leader. While deployed he served as Army Customs OIC throughout Kuwait Zone of Operations; Balad, Iraq, Al Asad, Iraq & Baghdad, Iraq from Apr 2003-Apr 2004. He safely redeployed 80,000 soldiers from the Theatre of Operations and was OIC for the largest redeployment hub in the OIF Theatre at Camp Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. Then upon deployment extension, he was Army Convoy Security OIC throughout all of Iraq Zone Theatre of Operations from Apr-Sep 2004. During this period he completed 14 dangerous, but successful convoy supply missions, as primary OIC with no fatalities, and ensured 100% security of personnel and delivery of supplies throughout the Iraqi Theatre of Operations.

Upon return from OIF, he served on active duty in the Ohio National Guard as the Ohio Military Funeral Honors Coordinator. Les has 30 years as an officer & enlisted soldier with 14 years being on active duty. Les retired in 2018 as a Major.

Les has been happily married to his wife Diane for 28 years. Together they have 4 children Makaila (28-UA Graphic Design Grad), Kali (25-UA Education Grad), Nate (23), & Ryan (21).

Research

US Decorations/Badges: US Army Combat Action Badge, US Army Commendation Medal (2 Awards), US Army Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, US Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (1SOLC), SW Asia Service Medal with 3 BSS, National Defense Service Medal (2 Awards), Iraq Campaign Medal, GWOT Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, US Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M Device), US Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, USAF Longevity Award, USAF Training Ribbon, USAF Good Conduct Medal, USAF Meritorious Unit Award, USAF NCO PME Ribbon, USAF Overseas Service Ribbon, US Army Service Ribbon, US Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, GAFP Badge.