Brigadier General Gary E. Huffman  

A life-long resident of Chickasaw County, retired from the Mississippi Army National Guard effective 15 August 2012 after more than thirty years of military service.

His last assignment was a 13 month active duty tour as Commander and Senior Military Representative, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters located in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.  He was responsible for leading a joint international military and civilian staff that conducted strategic level defense and security sector reform.

Prior to taking command of NATO HQ Sarajevo, General Huffman was the Deputy Brigade Commander of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, Tupelo, Mississippi.  

General Huffman first enlisted in the Army in 1982.  He received his commission through Officer Candidate School in May 1984.  He has held numerous staff and command positions from Platoon to Joint Force Headquarters level.  Notable assignments are Deputy Commander 66th Troop Command, Chief of Staff 66th Troop Command, and Operations Officer 155th Separate Armored Brigade.

In February 2003 General Huffman was assigned as Battalion Commander 2- 114th Field Artillery.  He deployed to Iraq with 2-114th Field Artillery, from January 2005 through January 2006.  His battalion served in the Karbala Province and the volatile Al Anbar Province where General Huffman was wounded in combat action November 2005.

General Huffman has extensive experience in all types of firearms, ammunition, and weapons systems, development and presentation of training materials, lecturing, crime prevention, and personal security operations.

He is certified by the National Rifle Association as a Basic Pistol Instructor, Basic Rifle Instructor, Refuse to Be A Victim Instructor, and is also a certified Range Safety Officer.  He is certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety as an Enhanced Concealed Carry Instructor.

EDUCATION:  

Houston High School

Itawamba Community College

Mississippi State University - Bachelor of Science degree, Agricultural Economics

Touro University International - Masters of Business Administration

United States Army War College - Masters of Science Strategic Studies

CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT:  

Operated the family’s cattle and row crop farm

United State Postal Service – Postmaster - Woodland, Ackerman, and Vardaman  

Department of Defense - Federal Military Technician - Mississippi Army National Guard

AWARDS AND DECORATONS INCLUDE:

Defense Superior Service Medal

Legion of Merit

Bronze Star Medal

Purple Heart

Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters),

Combat Action Badge

Mississippi Magnolia Cross

Mississippi War Medal

Mississippi Emergency Service Medal

General Huffman and his wife Deborah have two adult children, Dr. Andrew Huffman of Hattiesburg and Dr. Heidi Rose of Brandon.