Peter Chiarelli

Peter Chiarelli. He is a retired four-star general in the United States Army who served as the 32nd Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Following a distinguished military career that included command of the 1st Cavalry Division during the Iraq War and leadership of United States Army Europe, he became a prominent advocate for suicide prevention and traumatic brain injury research within the United States Department of Defense.

Early life and education

He was born on November 25, 1950, in Seattle, Washington. He attended Seattle Preparatory School before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Washington.

Military career

His early assignments included service with the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood and as an instructor at the United States Military Academy. He commanded the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Knox and later served on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. During Operation Desert Storm, he served with the 3rd Armored Division. He commanded the 1st Cavalry Division from 2003 to 2005, leading it during its deployment to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following division command, he served as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. He was promoted to general and assumed command of I Corps at Fort Lewis in 2006. In 2008, he took command of United States Army Europe and Seventh United States Army in Germany. His final assignment was as the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 2008 to 2012, where he focused heavily on soldier resilience and health programs.

Post-military career and advocacy

Upon retirement from the United States Army in 2012, he became the Chief Executive Officer of One Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to brain health research. He has been a vocal advocate for improving Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs policies regarding post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention. He has testified before the Congress and served on advisory boards for the National Football League and the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

Personal life

He is married and has two children. His son served as an officer in the United States Army. He maintains residences in Washington state and has been involved with several veteran service organizations, including the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Awards and honors

His military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and two awards of the Legion of Merit. He is also a recipient of the Order of National Security Merit from the Republic of Korea and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. In 2012, he received the Soldier's Medal for heroism not involving conflict with an enemy.

Category:1950 births Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:Living people