Executive Officer, MAJ Ian McKenna

MAJ Ian J. McKenna was assigned to the Clemson University Fightin’ Tiger Battalion in January 2008 as an assistant professor of military leadership.

Prior to this assignment he served in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) at Fort Drum, New York

Upon his graduation from Central Michigan University in December 1998, he was commissioned as a 2LT in the Field Artillery.

Immediately following his completion of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in June 1999 he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment in Bamberg, Germany as a part of the 1st Infantry Division. He promptly deployed for 7 months in support of KFOR 1B in Kosovo. During his time in Germany he was assigned as the Assistant S-4, 2/A Platoon Fire Direction Officer, Ammo Platoon Leader/Service Battery XO, Striker Platoon Leader, and Assistant Brigade Fire Support Officer. Upon completion of his tour in Germany in December 2002, he attended the Field Artillery Advanced course at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma

Upon completion of the FA Advanced Course and CAS3, he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment at Ft. Drum, New York in July 2003. MAJ McKenna was assigned initially as the Task Force Fire Support Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment. It was in this capacity that he supported Operation Noble Eagle and deployed with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) to Baghdad, Iraq in June 2004. Seven months into his year long tour he was transferred back to 2-15 FA to be the Battalion S-1. He remained the BN S-1 through the rest of the deployment and beyond until he took command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery,  2-15 FA in February 2006. MAJ McKenna deployed with HHB/2-15 FA to Mahmudiyah, Iraq in August 2006 until November 2007. During this time HHB ran motorized and light infantry operations, was partnered with the HQ as well as the Headquarters/Service and Commando companies of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division as trainers and partners, ran the FOB Mayor cell and FOB security operations, and finally established two "Awaking Counsels" to aid in the security of the unstable "Triangle of Death".

His awards and decorations include:

  • The Bronze Star Medal
  • The Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC)
  • The Valorous Unit Award
  • The Meritorious Unit Citation
  • The Army Commendation Medal (1OLC)
  • The Army Achievement Medal (1OLC)
  • The National Defense Service Medal
  • The Kosovo Campaign Medal (1BS)
  • The Iraqi Campaign Medal (1BS)
  • The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • The NATO (Kosovo) Medal
  • The Combat Action Badge

    • He and his wife, the former Elizabeth (Betsie) McKenna of Gaylord, Michigan, reside in Seneca, South Carolina with their three children, Lilian, Broderick, and Cooper.