​PURPLE & GOLD CLUB

Jeff Lillard

 

Early in Jeff’s life it became apparent to those that knew him that he was a natural born leader. It
clearly showed in his athletic life where others readily followed his lead in competitions, and it has
continued throughout his life and in his service to our country.
Jeff has served in the Army for nearly two decades and has 5 combat deployments starting with
Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Multi-National Forces Unit. He has served 3 tours of duty in
Afghanistan and 2 tours of duty in Iraq. He has had combat engagements with the Taliban, ISIS, and Al-
Qaeda and been combat deployed for a total of 51 months.
Jeff has been highly decorated for his contributions to our freedom. He has received:
 

AWARDS and DECORATIONS BADGES and SPECIAL SKILLS

-- Bronze Star -- Army Parachute Badge -- Airborne
-- 3 - Meritorious Service Medals -- Air Assault Badge
-- 8 - Army Commendation Medals -- Combat Action Badge
-- Army Commendation Medal with “C” Device
-- Joint Service Achievement Medal
-- 8 - Army Achievement Medals
-- Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 4 Campaign Stars
-- Iraq Campaign medal with 2 Campaign Stars
-- Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with 1 star
-- 6 - Overseas Service Medals
-- Korean Defense Service Medal
-- Global War on Terrorism
-- NATO Medal with 2 Stars
-- National Defense Medal
-- Army Service Ribbon
-- NCO Professional Development Ribbon

As impressive as all of these accomplishments are they do not give the complete picture of Jeff’s life. In
his time in the Army among other activities he was able to find the time to begin and complete a
Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University.
In the end Jeff’s greatest contribution to our country may be that he is first and foremost a husband to
a beautiful and intelligent wife, a father to three terrific children, and a patriot in the truest sense of the
word.

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Inducted 2022