LTC Clay Powell is from Hickory, North Carolina and began his career as a junior in college in 1991 with the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He completed his basic training at Parris Island, SC, and his MOS school at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon completion, LTC Powell returned to finish his degree at Clearwater Christian College and graduated in December 1993 with a BS in Education.
LTC Powell joined the NC National Guard in 1998 and attended Officer Candidate School at the North Carolina Military Academy, Fort Bragg, NC, receiving his commission in August 2000. His assignments in the NCNG include Petroleum Lab Officer and Supply Platoon Leader. LTC Powell transferred to active duty in 2003 and remained until 2012. His assignments include Support Operations Officer, Executive Officer, Supply and Service Officer, Battalion S-4, BN Executive Officer, Detachment Commander, 17th Psychological Operations Battalion S3/XO, 338th PSYOP Company Commander, USACAPOC G33 and G37 Chief of Training.
LTC Powell mobilized to Ft Bragg, NC for one year in support of OEF; Operation Iraqi Freedom (Baghdad) for 12 months in 2005-2006 and two 8 month rotations to support Operation Enduring Freedom- Philippines from 2009-2011.
LTC Powell’s military schooling includes Army Jumpmaster, Basic Airborne School, Quartermaster Officer Basic Course, Combined Logistics Officer’s Advanced Course, Language School, and Psychological Operations Officer’s Course.
LTC Powell has the following awards and decorations: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leafs, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leafs, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Master Parachutist Badge, the German, Botswana and Canadian Parachutist Badges, Philippine Army Achievement Medal, and Gold German Armed Forces for Proficiency Badge. LTC Powell has over 22 years combined federal service and over 18 years of active duty.
LTC Powell currently resides in Fort Knox, KY and is married to the love of his life Ching. He has two sons: Corey and Robbie and two daughters: Claire and Chloe.