Abraham J. Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abraham J. Turner
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|---|---|
| Born | Mount Pleasant, South Carolina |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1976-2011 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan Iraq War Gulf War |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Bronze Star Legion of Merit |
Abraham J. Turner is a retired Major General in the United States Army. After his military career, he worked as the executive director for the Department of Employment and Workforce in South Carolina.
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Biography
Abraham J. Turner was born and grew up in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. His parents were Reverend Joseph Turner Sr. and Maggie Turner. He is married to Linda Turner, and they have three children. One of his children attends the same university his parents did.
After high school, he studied music at South Carolina State University. While there, he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). This program trains college students to become military officers. In 1976, after earning his Bachelor of Science degree, he became a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Later, he earned a master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg University. He got this degree while attending the U.S. Army War College, a school for senior military leaders.
Career
Military Service
General Turner held many important roles in the U.S. Army. He was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). This means he helped plan and guide how soldiers were trained. Before that, he was the Commanding General of Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This is a large base where many soldiers get their basic training. While in charge of Fort Jackson, he added a special flag to the museum. This flag honored an African-American regiment from World War I.
He also served in Kuwait as Assistant Chief of Staff for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command. This role involved working with armies from different countries. He was also an Assistant Division Commander for the 82nd Airborne Division. This division is known for its paratroopers.
General Turner has experience in several military operations. He took part in a combat jump into Panama during Operation Just Cause. He was also deployed during Operation Desert Shield in the Gulf War. Later, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
He also worked as a main advisor to the leaders of the United States Strategic Command. In this role, he helped create and carry out important military plans and policies.
After the Military
After retiring from the Army, General Turner took on a new role. He was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to lead the Department of Employment and Workforce in South Carolina. This department helps people find jobs and supports the state's workforce. He resigned from this position in February 2013 for personal reasons.
In 2012, General Turner was a speaker at a special event. It was a symposium about the Black Veterans known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The event focused on the struggles and achievements of Black veterans.
Today, General Turner is the CEO of AT Consulting LLC. He is also the Chairman of the SYC board of directors. He is a member of Governor Nikki Haley's Original Six Foundation. He is scheduled to speak at The Citadel on March 16, 2021.
Honors, Awards, and Decorations
General Turner has received many awards for his service. These awards recognize his bravery, leadership, and dedication.
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Highway Naming
To honor General Turner, a part of Highway 41 in Charleston County, South Carolina, was renamed. On March 27, 2008, a bill was introduced to call it the "Major General Abraham J. Turner Highway."
