Christopher Velez

1SG Christopher Velez was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and joined United States Army in April 2008. He completed Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Virginia as a 92F, Petroleum Specialist. He  accomplished the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program one and two (RASP) though 2014-2023, serving in key leadership positions from Team leader to 1SG. Currently, 1SG Velez serves as the Echo Company Ranger First Sergeant for 2D Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. His previous assignments include serving as the Regimental S4 Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) for the 75th Ranger Regiment, The Regimental Senior Petroleum Advisor to the 75th Ranger Regiment, The Distribution and Headquarters Platoon Sergeant for Echo Company 3D Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, and the Petroleum Section Chief for 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. During his tenure, He has demonstrated his commitment to serving our nation during real world and no-notice operations in support of Joint and Special Operations and strategic objectives. He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from 2012-2021 and has held critical positions, such as the Joint Logistics Operations Cell NCOIC and the J4 Senior Enlisted Advisor in support of multiple theaters including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.​ 1SG Velez’s military education includes Master Leader Course (MLC), Senior Leader Course for Petroleum and Water Specialist, Advance Leaders Course for Petroleum Supply Specialist, Warrior Leaders Course, Capabilities Development Course, Battle Staff Course, Ranger Course, Jump Master Course, SHARP foundation Course, EO leaders curse, and Master Resilience Trainer Course. He earned an Associate degree of Arts in general studies from Central Texas College and a Bachelor degree of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston West Virginia. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (w/1OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal (w/C-Device), Army Commendation Medal (w/2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (w/8OLC), Army Achievement Medal (w/C-Device.) He also earned the Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge and is also the recipient of The Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. Chris plans to use the 5 Foundation Scholarship in pursuit of ​Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management from UCWV.