| Sources |
- [S104] Cocke County, Tennessee, and its People, Cocke County Heritage Book Committee, (Walsworth Publishing, 1992), 241.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 7 Aug 2009.
Captain Timothy Stephenson part of change-of-command ceremony in Iraq
Captain Timothy Stephenson's gear weighs over 90 pounds. He recently led his troops in a change-of-command ceremony in Iraq.
Captain Timothy Stephenson, who has many Cocke County ties, took command of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery, in a change-of-command ceremony on March 20.
Captain Stephenson is the son of Nancy and Rick Lemieux, Blountville, TN and Bob and Sue Stephenson, O'Fallon, IL. He is the grandson of the late Doyle and Mary (Bell) Smith, Del Rio, and Orville and Winona (Blazer) Stephenson, Newport.
Captain Stephenson enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1991 and spent 8 years as a Multiple Launch Rocket System crew member. Upon completion of his enlistment, he returned to his home in Illinois to complete his BS degree in history at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in 2001.
After earning his degree, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. His assignments include 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery at Fort Stewart, deploying to Kuwait and then to Iraq as the Fire Support Officer, commanding a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
After three years at Fort Stewart, he was assigned to Fort Sill, OK to attend Captain's Career Course and on to Fort Campbell, KY for assignment to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
While at Ft. Campbell, Captain Stephenson was again deployed to Iraq in June 2007. Upon his return to Ft. Campbell, he was chosen to study at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, to earn his Master's degree in Military History, graduating Magna Cum Laude in August, 2008, to serve as the Battalion Fire Support Officer.
He was deployed to Iraq for a third tour in January, 2009.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal with Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Captain Stephenson is married to the former April Lewis of Vallejo, California. They have two sons, Tyler, 13, and Collin, 4, and a daughter Megan, who is 6 months old.
Captain Stephenson is following in the footsteps of many men in his family who have served their country proudly. They include his dad Bob Stephenson, Lt. Col. USAF retired, who served his country for over 31 years. His step-dad Rick Lemieux retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant, having served 24 years. His brother Rob Stephenson served 4 years in the Air Force. His step-brothers are also serving in the military. Richard Lemieux is an active duty USAF Lt Col, assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, having returned from 13 months in Afghanistan in February of this year.
Roland Lemieux served 5 years on active duty in the Air Force and has continued his service with the Kulis Air National Guard in Anchorage, Alaska. He is now serving as a First Sergeant holding the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
Captain Stephanson's uncle, Hubert Smith, Lt General, USA, retired, spent 35 years on active duty. His first cousins, Todd Smith, Laura Smith Wright, and Dr. Maurice Robinson all served in the USA Reserve for a total of 21 years.
Extended family members who served their country include his great-grandfather James H. Bell, who served in the US Army before World War I. His great-uncles, the late Joe C. Proffitt, the late Chester Bell, the late Floyd Smith, the late J. L. Grigsby, and the late Fred Ogle, all served in the US Army during World War II.
His great-uncle Clyde Bell served for 24 years in the US Army during World War II and the Korean War and remains active in veteran's activities. His great-uncle Charles Bell served in both the US Army and the US Air Force, retiring after 21 years.
Other great-great uncles served in World War I.
The total number of years of military service for this one family exceeds 220 years.
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1970 - (53 years)
(Age 80 years)