Command Sergeant Major
Jonathan M. Lankford Sr

Jonathan M. Lankford, Sr. was born on April 16, 1965 in Scottsboro, AL and enlisted into the United States Army as a private in November of 1984. Lankford volunteered for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in 1987.

From the beginning of his career in the EOD field he was recognized by his peers for his leadership as an outstanding EOD technician and a superb noncommissioned officer. His early assignments took him from the 259th Ordnance Detachment at Fort Irwin, CA to his next duty as an EOD Team Leader in Germany with service in the 21st Ordnance Detachment and the Berlin Brigade. Returning to the U.S., Lankford served as an Instructor with an EOD Training Detachment at Indian Head, MD, and as a First Sergeant with the Technical Escort Unit at Aberdeen Proving Ground. After a year as an EOD advisor to the Saudi Arabian military, he returned to the U.S. to become the First Sergeant for the 47th Ordnance Company (EOD) at Fort Hood, TX. Following his schooling at the Command Sergeant Major Academy at Fort Bliss, TX, he became the Command Sergeant Major for the 79th Ordnance Battalion (EOD) at Fort Sam Houston, TX. His final assignment was as the Command Sergeant Major for the 52nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD).

Throughout Lankford’s short military career the following statement followed him stating his “unlimited potential as a noncommissioned officer.” This cumulated in his selection just prior to his death as the next 71st Ordnance Group (EOD) Command Sergeant Major. During his career, Lankford received the Legion of Merit Medal and two Bronze Stars. Lankford died on September 22, 2007.