Biography

CSM Robert G. Lehtonen II is from Conneaut, Ohio. CSM Lehtonen enlisted in the U.S. Army on 20 September 1985 as a 13B Field Artillery Cannon Crewman.

CSM Lehtonen?s duty positions include all the cannoneer duty positions for light artillery and mechanized artillery. CSM Lehtonen has also served as an NCOES instructor, Drill Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Chief of the Firing Battery, First Sergeant, BDE S-2 NCOIC, and as a BN and BDE Operations SGM.

CSM Lehtonen?s CSM positions include BN CSM for the 4th BN 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. from 2007-2010 and as the installation CSM for the USAG Brussels Belgium from 2010-2012.

CSM Lehtonen has served in the Field Artillery Training Center (TRADOC), the 75th and 214th Fires Brigades, the 1st Armored Division, the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 10th Infantry Divisions (FORSCOM), and IMCOM.

CSM Lehtonen?s overseas assignments include Germany: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Korea; Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom IX/X; and Belgium.

CSM Lehtonen is a graduate of all the NCOES courses to include Class #56 of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. His other military courses include: the Nuclear Biological and Chemical Course, Special Weapons Assembler Course, Equal Opportunity and Retention Leader Courses, HAZMAT Course, Air Assault Course, Instructor Training Course, Drill Sergeant School, the First Sergeant Course, the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Course, and the Installation CSM Course.

CSM Lehtonen has an Associate?s Degree in General Studies from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelors of Science in Management and Administration from Excelsior College.

CSM Lehtonen?s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Liberation Medals, NATO Medal, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Air Assault Badge, Track Vehicle Drivers Badge and the Combat Action Badge. CSM Lehtonen is an 8th Infantry Division/1st Armored Division Distinguished Leader, a member of the Sgt. Morales and Audie Murphy Clubs, and is a recipient of the Order of Saint Barbara Medallion.