Command Sergeant Major Santi S. Khoundet became a child refugee in Thailand when his family escaped the disruptions in Laos during the American Secret War in Laos. During the early 1980s, he emigrated to the United States with his family, and at the age of 12, he became a proud U.S. Citizen.
CSM Khoundet enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1994 at the age of 19. He began his career as a Unit Supply Clerk with the 172nd Medical Logistic Battalion. Subsequently, he was assigned to the 104th Training Division as a supply sergeant, and soon thereafter, became a Senior Supply Sergeant with the 478th Personnel Services Battalion. From 2004-2005, CSM Khoundet deployed to Iraq and Kuwait as part of the stay behind equipment team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later deployed with the 96th Special Troops Battalion as the Battalion S-4 NCOIC in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009-2010. He was then assigned as the company First Sergeant for HHC, 2D Medical Training Brigade. From 2014-2015, he deployed with the 96th Sustainment Brigade to Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey as the Property Book Team Chief in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Before assuming his current duties as the Command Sergeant Major of the 86th Training Division, he served as the 2D Medical Brigade Command Sergeant Major, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) G-4 Sergeant Major, and Command Sergeant Major of the 145th Multifunction Medical Battalion.
CSM Khoundet's civilian education includes a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of General Studies with a minor in Business Management and Criminal Justice from Columbia College.
His military education includes Brigade Pre-Command Course, Battalion Pre-Command Course, Sergeants Major Academy class (67), Master Resilience Trainer Course, Battle Staff, Structured Self Development 5, USAR Company Team Leader Course, USARC OPM Anti-Terrorism Officer Course, Medical Supply Course (68J), Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Basic Non- Commissioned Officer Course, and Primary Leadership Development Course.
CSM Khoundet’s awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/3 OLCs, Army Commendation Medal with 4 OLCs, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 5 OLCs, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service, Armed Forces Reserve medal with “M” Device and silver hour glass, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 5, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral two, Civilian Service Commendation Medal and Civilian Service Achievement Medal.
In his civilian capacity, CSM Khoundet works at the 807th MC(DS) as a Human Resources Specialist. CSM Khoundet resides in Tooele, Utah with his wife Sausha, his son Kdin and daughter Zailee. CSM Khoundet and his wife are owners of Sweet Pickins Milk Paint and Old-Fashioned Milk Paint.