Colonel Kenneth Nielsen

Born 1 May 1945 in Astoria, New York. Enlisted USAF in 1965. Served in Air Defense Command. Discharged in 1969. Rank of Sergeant. Enlisted California Army National Guard in 1975. Graduated California Officer Candidate School in 1977. Branch qualified in Ordnance Corps 1978. Served as Platoon Leader, Executive Officer and Company Commander of the 951st Heavy Maintenance Company, California Army National Guard. Placed on Active Guard/Reserve Duty in 1984. Served tours as Plans officer at National Guard Bureau, Pentagon; Logistics Officer at 115th Area Support Group, Assistant Inspector General at the Office of the Adjutant General, California and as Plans, Operations and Training Officer at the 100th and 115th Troop Commands. Performed overseas duty assignments in Belgium, Germany and Ukraine. Retired from the Army National Guard at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel 1999. Joined California State Military Reserve in 2000 at rank of Colonel. Presently Commander, California Center for Military History, Sacramento, California.

Civilian Occupation:

Criminal Justice Specialist with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Education:

Military: U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army Inspector General School, Ordnance School, National Security Course- U.S. Army War College.

Civilian:

Master’s degree in Land Warfare (History) from American Military University, Manassas, VA. Also holds Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Military Decorations:

Distinguished Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal (2).

Colonel Kenneth Nielsen

Commander

California Center for Military History

2004 - Present