Major (MAJ) Eddie L. Brown:

MAJ Brown was born in Gregory, Arkansas. He graduated from Carver High School in Augusta, Arkansas in 1968. In the fall of 1968, MAJ Brown enrolled in Arkansas State University, Beebe. On May 2, 1969, he enlisted into Company B, 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry, 39th Infantry Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard. While in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry, MAJ Brown served as a Light Weapons Infantryman.

MAJ Brown attended the Arkansas Military Academy Officer Candidate School in 1973 and he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on June 29, 1974. MAJ Brown was the first African American to complete the Arkansas Military Academy Officer Candidate School in school’s history.

After completing the Arkansas Military Academy, MAJ Brown was assigned to the 39th Infantry Brigade. As a member of the 39th Infantry Brigade, MAJ Brown dedicated over 24 years of military service. His many assignments included Liaison Officer, Rifle Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, Tactical Intelligence Officer, Executive Officer, and Brigade Assistant S1. MAJ Brown also served as Company Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 39th Infantry Brigade from 1980-1984.

MAJ Brown served as the Computer Systems Programmer for the Directorate of Information Management and State Retention Officer for Recruiting and Retention Command. His military courses are the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Military Personnel Officer Course, Advanced Computer’s Course, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the National Guard Professional Education Center Recruiting and Retention Managers Course.

MAJ Brown’s awards consist of the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Medal, National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. MAJ Brown separated from the Arkansas Army National Guard on July 31, 1997, with over 29 years of military service.