Major General Kenneth D. Jones

 

 

Major General Kenneth D. Jones is the Commander of the 81st Readiness Division located on Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. The 81st Readiness Division has Mission Command for Army Reserve units geographically dispersed throughout the Southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. General Jones is responsible for ensuring units and soldiers are fully trained and relevant to meet current and future Combatant Commander Force requirements. General Jones flag officer assignments include Deputy Director Joint Staff J4, Washington DC; Commanding General 4th ESC, San Antonio, TX; Deputy Commanding General 1st TSC, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; Commanding General 451st ESC, Wichita, KS; and Deputy Commanding General 377th TSC, Bell Chase, LA. 

General Jones commissioned in 1980 following his graduation from Texas A&M University. He received a master’s degree from the United States Army War College in 2008. He is a Joint Qualified Officer and graduate of numerous military courses including: Ordnance Basic and Advanced, Transportation Advanced, Small Group Instructor, Command and General Staff College, Advanced Joint Professional Military Education, United States Army War College, CAPSTONE General and Flag Officer Course, and the Advanced Senior Executive Program- Army. General Jones has extensive leadership and logistics management experience. He began his career in the 82d Airborne Division during the Cold War and subsequently commanded at the company, battalion, brigade and major command levels. Since 2004, he has spent over 35 months deployed to Southwest Asia participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom (2004-2005), Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn (2010-2011), and Enduring Freedom/Spartan Shield (2015-2016). 

His awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit Medals, Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Army and Air Force Commendation Medals, Army and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Unit Citations and Joint Chief of Staff Identification Badge. General Jones and his wife Cheryl of 37 years reside in Iola, Texas. Their family includes two daughters and son-in-laws, Amanda and Gavin Englund and Allison and Matthew Baker and two granddaughters Natalie and Clara Englund. 

In his civilian career, General Jones is retired from Hallmark Cards Inc., Topeka, Kansas, where he culminated a 28-year career as Plant Engineering Manager. He is currently the Business Development and Human Capital Manager for their family Insurance business located in Bryan, Texas.