LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Mills University Studies High School JROTC and the Theater Department hosted a Black History Program on Friday afternoon to an enthusiastic crowd of students and staff. Those in attendance were treated to a very special guest speaker with an impressive military background.
Brigadier General Leland “Tony “Shepherd is the Land Component Commander in charge of the Arkansas Army National Guard. A native Guyana, South America, he is a graduate of Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania, Webster University, Philander Smith College, University of Charleston, and Army War College. BG Shepherd has graduated from these Colleges and Universities with a Bachelor degree in Organizational Management, a Masters in IT and Strategic Studies, and a Doctoral degree in Executive Leadership. He is currently a Regional Vice President of Operations at PODS. BG Shepherd is married and has five children.
BG Shepherd enlisted into the US Army Reserves in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 23rd, 1992. He served two years as an X-Ray Technician at Blanchfield Hospital. BG Shepherd enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in October 1995. In 1997, BG Shepherd enrolled into Officer Candidate School Class 41 where he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in August 1998.
BG Shepherd’s previous assignments include:
Platoon Leader in Benton AR
Executive Officer in Hot Springs and Conway AR
S-6 Officer in Malvern AR
Company Commander in Malvern AR
Commander - 2nd Battalion, 233rd Regiment (RTI)
Deputy Chief of Staff: G-6, and currently serves as the Land Component Commander for the Arkansas Army National Guard.
BG Shepherd served two combat tours in Iraq with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His first deployment in 2004 as the Signal Officer for the 1-153rd Infantry Battalion. His second deployment was in 2008 as the 39th IBCT Signal Officer. He has received the following awards and decorations:
Bronze Star
Combat Action Badge
Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Overseas Service Ribbon
Operation Iraqi Freedom Service Medal, and numerous other Federal and State Service ribbons.
BG Shepherd was awarded the prestigious Order of Mercury, Bronze for the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and selflessness, for those who have contributed significantly to the Army Signal Corps. BG Shepherd is also a recipient of the Army Legion of Merit award.