Command Sergeant Major Eric W. Bethurem was born and raised in Crocker, Missouri. In 1989, he enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserve and attended training at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. In February 1991, he transferred branches and joined the Active Army where he was assigned as a mechanic in a Forward Support Battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas. After his enlistment period was over in June 1995, he joined the Army Reserve.
CSM Bethurem has had a variety of duty assignments which include units such as the Weapons Company, 3rd BN, 24th Marine Regiment, Springfield, Missouri; 936th Maintenance Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; 201st Forward Support Battalion, Fort Riley, Kansas; 1SG of the 424th Maintenance Company, Rolla, Missouri; 917th Corps Support Group; Operations SGM of the 209th Regional Support Group, G4 SGM of the 89th Regional Readiness Command; CSM of the 325th Combat Support Hospital, 89th Special Troops Battalion, 89th Sustainment Brigade, 383rd Military Intelligence Battalion, and currently serves as the Command Sergeant Major of the 102d Training Division.
CSM Bethurem has performed numerous duties throughout his career beginning as a track and wheeled vehicle mechanic and gaining increasing responsibilities from there. He went on to serve in leadership positions as a maintenance inspector, motor sergeant, senior maintenance supervisor, supply and services NCOIC, First Sergeant to include a mobilization and operational deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Special Operations SGM, S-3 Operations SGM, and G-4 SGM. Most recently, he was assigned as the Command Sergeant Major of the 383rd MI Battalion, Kansas City, Missouri.
CSM Bethurem’s military and civilian schools includes the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Pre-Command Course, First Sergeants Course, Battle Staff Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, and Primary Leadership Development Course. He attained an associate’s degree from Drury College in General Studies.
His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (20 year Device, M-device, Numeral 5), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 5), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, Marine Corp Reserve Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Schützenschnur Badge.
CSM Bethurem works as DA Civilian in a Supervisory Maintenance Specialist position managing regional Area Maintenance Support Activities (AMSA) and Equipment Concentration Sites (ECS). He and his wife reside in Adrian, Missouri and have three children.