1SG Keith J. Kinnerson, born in Canton, Ohio, enlisted in the United States Army Reserve as a Military Police Soldier in 2008. He completed Basic Combat Training and Military Police Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon graduation, he joined the 447th Military Police Company and deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He later mobilized again to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from 2014 to 2015. Throughout his reserve time, he served in various Military Police assignments and positions.
In July 2016, 1SG Kinnerson joined the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program. His AGR assignments include Operations NCO at the 447th Military Police Company, Plans NCO at the 300th Military Police Brigade, as well as G3/5 NCOIC and OC/T Academy Course Manager at the storied 78th Training (Lightning) Division.
Throughout his career, 1SG Kinnerson has held various leadership positions, including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Watch Commander, and First Sergeant. His staff experience ranges from Company-level operations to Division general staff, as well as Course Manager.
In 2016, 1SG Kinnerson earned a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. He currently holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies from Kent State University. His military education includes all levels of requisite professional military education, the Company Commander and First Sergeant Course, Battle Staff NCO Course, The Conventional Physical Security Course, ATRRS Operator Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course Phase I & II, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I & II, Antiterrorism Basic Course, Senior Leader Law Enforcement Course, OC/T Academy, Exercise Planners Introduction Course, Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, and OPSEC Level II Course.
1SG Kinnerson’s awards, decorations, and accomplishments include: Meritorious Service Medal (1-OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2-OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1-OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and “2” Numeral, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, and the Drivers Mechanical Badge. He also earned Distinguished Honor Graduate of Master Leader Course Class 21-006 and is a recipient of the Military Police Corps Regimental Award – Order of Marechaussee in Bronze.
In 2018, he married his fourth-grade crush, Erin E. Kinnerson, of Brewster, Ohio. Together, they share one son, Tripp J. Kinnerson, and reside in the Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin area.