Brig. Gen. Charles R. Bell Jr. is a native of Martins Ferry, Ohio. He obtained his commission through ROTC and is a 1997 graduate of Ohio University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Brig. Gen. Bell also holds a Master of Arts in Management from American Military University and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
Brig. Gen. Bell was previously assigned as the Chief of Staff, 76th Operational Response Command in Salt Lake City, UT. Previously, he served as the Garrison Commander, USAG Fort Hunter Liggett, CA, Deputy Chief of Staff, 412th Theater Engineer Command, Vicksburg, MS, Battalion Commander, 841st Engineer Battalion, Miami, FL, Chief of Staff (COS), Army Reserve Engagement Cell, United States Army Pacific, Fort Shafter Hawaii and Operations Officer (S3)/Executive Officer (XO), 980th Engineer Battalion, Austin, TX. Brig. Gen. Bell has commanded from Company through Brigade level.
Brig. Gen. Bell deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan as the Operations Officer (S3), 980th Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2011 to October 2012, where he led theater construction, bridging, and route clearance efforts predominately operating throughout Regional Command (South). Brig. Gen. Bell previously deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2004 to March 2005, as the Commander, Headquarters Support Company, 980th Engineer Battalion.
His awards and decorations include Combat Action Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Army Meritorious Service Medal (7OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army and Navy Achievement Medals, Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization, Numeral2 and Hour Glass Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon with numeral 1 and the Army Meritorious Unit Citation. Brig. Gen. Bell is also a recipient of the Engineer Regiment, Bronze de Fleury. He is member of Army Engineer Association (AEA), Society for American Military Engineers (SAME).
Brig. Gen. Bell and his wife Carly reside in Salt Lake City, UT and have 2 adult children.