Biography

MAJ John C. Sheaffer is a native of Wilkesville, Ohio. In June 1988, he enlisted in the United States Army. He attended Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. As an enlisted Soldier, Major Sheaffer served at the following assignments: 2-187th Infantry Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; 1-10 Cavalry, Fort Hood, Texas; and four tours in South Korea. During his enlistment, Major Sheaffer graduated from the University of Rio Grande with a Bachelor of Science degree in History in 1996.

 

In 2001, Major Sheaffer was commissioned through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning Georgia as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. He then attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with his first assignment with the 2-82 Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. Major Sheaffer served as a Fire Support Officer, Battalion Ammunition Officer, and as a Gun Truck Patrol Leader during his first assignment . Shortly after returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom II in 2005, Major Sheaffer was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion. During this assignment Major Sheaffer served as the Battalion Operations Officer (S3).

 

In January 2006, Major Sheaffer attended the Combined Logistics Captain's Career Course, Fort Lee, Virginia. After graduation, he was assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, as the Squadron Logistics Officer.

 

In March of 2006, Major Sheaffer assumed command of S&T Troop, Major Sheaffer quickly assembled his Troop and prepared for onward movement to Mosul, Iraq. Once in Iraq, Major Sheaffer's unit conducted over 250 Combat Logistic Patrols without incident, covering over 6,000 miles in northern Iraq. After Major Sheaffer finished command, he formed a fully functioning Iraqi Security Forces Logistics Cell responsible for staff oversight on the development of ISF logistic systems reliance.

 

After Major Sheaffer returned from an extended tour in Iraq, he was assigned as an Observer Controller Trainer for 3-338thTraining Support Battalion at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He was responsible for the execution of Title-10 training support requirements for First Army mobilization training in support of Overseas Contingency Operations. Major Sheaffer planned and resourced the pre-combat training for thousands of Soldiers bound for Overseas Contingency Operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and, Africa. Major Sheaffer was selected to be the Battalion S3 while serving at the 3-338th. Upon becoming the S3, Major Sheaffer was responsible for mobilization training for U.S. forces bound overseas. Once this assignment was completed, Major Sheaffer was reassigned as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Indiana Purdue University at Fort Wayne. During this period IPFW SROTC and Concordia JROTC faculty cultivated an excellent mutual working relationship that improved student activities on campus and within the community.

 

Major Sheaffer's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.

 

He is married to the former Miss Nicole Ryan of Zanesville, Ohio, and is the proud father of six children.