1SG JEFFREY SOUDER
First Sergeant, Veterinary Readiness Activity, Fort Belvoir

Sergeant First Class Jeffrey A. Souder hails from Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Saint Clair Area High School, Class of 1985. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 16 January 2008, completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 68T, Animal Care Specialist. SFC Souder has served in a variety of progressively responsible leadership positions throughout his career, including as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Okinawa Veterinary Activity in Okinawa, Japan, and as Branch NCOIC for UK Branch Veterinary Services in the United Kingdom. He also served as Veterinary Section NCOIC at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, NCOIC of the 68T Schoolhouse at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Deputy S4 for the 627th Hospital Center at Fort Carson, Colorado, and currently serves as Veterinary Center NCOIC at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
 
SFC Souder’s commitment to professional development is demonstrated through his completion of numerous military and civilian courses, including the Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Master Resilience Trainer Course, and Modern Army Combatives Level One. He is also qualified in Combat Lifesaver techniques, Field Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties, and has completed courses in Common Faculty Development–Instructor and Developer courses, Veterinary Support to DSCA Operations, and Unit Movement Officer Development Planning. Further demonstrating his expertise, SFC Souder holds an Associate of Science Degree in General Studies.
 
Sergeant First Class Souder is recognized for his dedicated service with awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. He also wears the Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), and Army Superior Unit Award with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Currently, SFC Souder resides in Stafford, Virginia, with his wife, Jeanne.