Colonel Frederick L. Crist was born in Yokosuka, Japan and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. He began his military career in 1989 as an enlisted Stinger Missile Gunner in the 28th Infantry Division, PA Army National Guard. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1994 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry with a branch detail from the Transportation Corps.
Command Sergeant Major Randy T. Brown was born in Paterson, New Jersey. He entered the United States Marine Corps in February of 1994. After four years and eight month break in service he entered the United States Army in May of 1998.
CW5 John J. McCartin is a native of Northwood, New Hampshire. He entered the Army’s Delayed Entry Program in December of 1990. He entered the Active Army in July of 1991 and attended basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he was trained as an 88L, watercraft engineer.