Command Sergeant Major Eric W. Bethurem was born and raised in Crocker, Missouri. In 1990, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and attended training at the Marine Corps 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 held a variety of duty assignments which include the Weapons Company, 3rd BN, 24th Marine Regiment, Springfield, Missouri; 936th Maintenance Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; 201st Forward Support Battalion, Fort Riley, Kansas; 424th Maintenance Company, Rolla, Missouri; 917th Corps Support Group, Belton Missouri; 209th Regional Support Group, Belton Missouri; 89th Regional Readiness Command, Wichita Kansas; 325th Combat Support Hospital, Independence Missouri; 89th Special Troops Battalion, 89th Sustainment Brigade, Kansas City Missouri, 383rd Military Intelligence Battalion, Command Sergeant Major of the 102nd Training Division, and Command Sergeant Major of the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), Salt Lake City, Utah.
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. He has also held four battalion CSM positions, one brigade CSM position, and one division CSM position.
CSM Bethurem’s military and civilian schools include The Army School System (TASS) Leader Course, Nominative Leader Course (NLC), 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 the 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 Corps Reserve Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and Schützenschnur Badge.
CSM Bethurem currently works as DA Civilian in a Supervisory Maintenance Specialist position managing regional Area Maintenance Support Activities (AMSA) and Equipment Concentration Sites (ECS).
CSM Bethurem and his wife, Melanie, reside in Missouri with their three children.