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98th Training Division Welomes New Commanding General
By Sgt. Jeff Harris
Aurora, Colorado – The 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) welcomed their new commanding general, Brig. Gen. David M. Samuelsen, in a Change of Command Ceremony that was part of the May Green Tab Huddle.
Samuelsen started his military career enlisting into the U.S. Air Force in 1987 and served in England as a Security Police Specialist. In 1993, he enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, was selected for Officer Candidate School, and commissioned in July 1994 as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps.
Samuelsen previously served as the Deputy Commanding General for Operations, 200th Military Police Command. His previous assignments include: Deputy Commanding General, 80th Training Command; Brigade Commander, 290th Military Police Brigade; Command IG, 76th Division; Command IG, 103rd Sustainment Command; Commander, 159th Military Police Battalion (CID); Combat Trainer, 86th Division; Commander, 1114th Mobilization Support Battalion; Executive Officer, 1116th Mobilization Support Battalion; Operations Officer, 3-329 Info Ops Battalion; Mobilization as Provost Marshal for North Kuwait; Logistics Officer, 9th Brigade, 100th Division; Logistics Officer, 2-339 Basic Combat Training Battalion, 84th Division; Commander, 32nd Military Police Company; Detachment Commander, Det 1, 32nd Military Police Company; Platoon Leader, 3rd Platoon, 32nd Military Police Company.
The new 98th Commanding General is a graduate of the Army War College, Joint Forces Staff College, Command and General Staff College-Intermediate Level Education, Advanced Operations and Warfighting Course, the Army Inspector General School, Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, and Company, Battalion and Brigade Pre-Command Courses.
He earned a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Wisconsin.
His awards and decorations include the Army Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), USAF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M Device) and Air Force Training Ribbon.
Samuelsen resides in Milton, Wisconsin with his wife Erin, and daughter Lindsey, whom is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his son, Nathan, whom is a student at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee.
Samuelsen owns and operates a manufacturing company and a real estate holding company in his hometown of Milton.
The 98th Training Division recognizes Col. Don Ellison for serving as commanding general for over 10 months. Ellison received the meritorious service medal for his strategic vision, command guidance and mentorship. In his tenure, Ellison increased the capacity of the Army and the Navy, honed the capabilities of the 98th Training Division by training two thousand initial entry Soldiers and produced more than 360 drill sergeants.
