Stephen Twitty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Twitty
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1963 (age 61–62) Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1985–2020 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | First United States Army 1st Armored Division 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal (3) |
Stephen M. Twitty (born 1963) is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army. A lieutenant general is a very high rank in the military. He led the First United States Army and later became a deputy commander for United States European Command.
Before that, he was in charge of Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division. General Twitty received the Silver Star medal for his bravery during the Iraq War. He is known for his connection with journalist David Bloom, who reported on his team during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
General Twitty served in five combat missions. These included the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. He led different groups of soldiers, from small companies to larger brigades. He went to South Carolina State University and is part of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. A highway in his hometown is named after him.
Contents
Growing Up and School
Stephen Twitty was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He grew up in Chesnee, South Carolina. In 1985, he graduated with honors from South Carolina State University.
He also earned two master's degrees. One was in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. The other was in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.
Military Career Highlights
General Twitty is an infantryman, meaning he specializes in ground combat. He started his career in 1985. He held many different roles in the Army.
- Early Assignments: From 1985 to 1993, he served in various infantry roles. He was part of the 101st Airborne Division. He also served in the Gulf War with the 24th Infantry Division.
- Pentagon and Germany: In the mid-1990s, he worked at the Pentagon. He helped plan strategies for the military. He also served in Germany, including during a mission in Hungary.
- Europe and Kosovo: From 1999 to 2001, he worked at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium. He was an aide to the top commander. He was involved in Operation Allied Response in Kosovo.
- Iraq War Command: From 2001 to 2003, he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. His battalion was recognized for its bravery in the Iraq War. They received the Presidential Unit Citation.
- Leading Brigades: Later, he commanded the 4th Brigade Combat Team. This team was part of the 1st Cavalry Division. He led them during the Iraq War.
- Senior Leadership Roles: He continued to take on important leadership jobs. He worked at U.S. Northern Command. He was also chief of staff for the United States Army Central. He served as a deputy commander in Afghanistan.
- First Army and EUCOM: In 2016, he took command of the First United States Army. In 2018, he became the deputy commander of United States European Command (EUCOM).
After the Army
After retiring from the military, General Twitty started his own consulting company. It is called Twitty and Associates LLC. He also advises technology companies like Dataminr (an AI company) and Sarcos (a robotics company). You might also see him on MSNBC as a military expert.
Awards and Badges
General Twitty earned many awards and badges during his service. These show his bravery and skill.
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star
- Defense Superior Service Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster, meaning he received it twice)
- Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters, meaning he received it four times)
- Bronze Star Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters, meaning he received it three times)
- Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters, meaning he received it five times)
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters, meaning he received it three times)
- Army Achievement Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster, meaning he received it twice)
- Army Presidential Unit Citation
- National Defense Service Medal (with one Service Star)
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Southwest Asia Service Medal (with two service stars)
- Kosovo Campaign Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with a bronze numeral "6")
- NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
Family Life
Stephen Twitty is married to Karen Wilson Twitty. They have two daughters.
When he left command of the First Army, he shared a special fact. His grandfathers had also served in the First Army. This was at a time when the military was still segregated.
