Command Sergeant Major Steven Carroll Veazey dedicated 44 years to the service of his country, rising through every enlisted leadership position in the U.S. Army National Guard. A native of Sheridan, Arkansas, CSM Veazey’s career exemplifies professionalism, resilience, and extraordinary leadership in both combat and service to fellow veterans. He began his military journey on March 17, 1979, enlisting in Sheridan. Graduating as the honor graduate of his Basic Training battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia, he achieved a perfect score on the POI Soldier Test—the only soldier in his unit to do so. Early assignments included Gunner, Squad Leader, and Fire Direction Sergeant with the 1-153rd Infantry Battalion. He later served as Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant, including a deployment to Bosnia in 1999 during SFOR 9 peacekeeping operations, earning the Order of St. George Armored Medal. CSM Veazey’s combat leadership expanded through two tours in Iraq. From 2003–2004, as CSM of 1-153rd IN BN during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, he participated in over 600 combat missions in Baghdad, earning a Bronze Star and the Order of St. Maurice Infantry Medal. Returning to Baghdad in 2008 as Brigade Command Sergeant Major and Installation Defense CSM at Victory Base, he oversaw 8 entry control points and 80 overwatch towers, receiving a second Bronze Star. In 2010, he became the first Land Component Command Sergeant Major for the Arkansas Army National Guard, later serving as Command Sergeant Major for the entire Arkansas Army National Guard and, in 2015, as Senior Enlisted Leader for all 7,000 Soldiers and 2,000 Airmen. He attended the Department of Defense Keystone Course and chaired the Region 5 CSM Advisory Council, helping establish the National Guard Enlisted Hall of Fame in Arkansas. CSM Veazey’s awards include two Legion of Merit Medals, two Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Retiring in May 2023, he was recognized on the floor of Congress for his extraordinary contributions. Today, he continues to serve veterans as Director of State Cemeteries for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and through numerous community and veterans’ organizations. Command Sergeant Major Steven C. Veazey’s life is defined by service, sacrifice, and leadership. From the front lines of Iraq to the highest enlisted positions in the Arkansas National Guard, and now to honoring veterans in his home state, he exemplifies the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, and integrity.