Master Sergeant John “Carson” Wilson

Carson signed up to join the United States Army 3 months before he graduated from Salem High School in 1983. Because he was only 17 years old when he joined his father and mother had to sign for him. 

After high school graduation he left for Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri where he completed his basic training.  After Basic, he was assigned to Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts for 1 year, then on to Duty Assignment in Sinop, Turkey for 1 year. After that he was sent for Duty Assignment at Ft. Meade, Maryland where he worked at the National Security Agency.

While stationed at Ft. Meade, Maryland he married on June 4, 1986 (one of his teenage sweethearts “Susan”) whom he had known since he was 14years old. Together they made their home on base and both say this was definitely a growing up experience.

In April 1987, Carson was honorably discharged and joined the Virginia Army National Guard for 2 years.

At the end of his two years he became a Full Time Government Civilian Employee for the National Guard for 4 years. Then decided to go back into the Army fulltime as an Active Guard Reservist.

He assisted with Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi, Mississippi and The Boarder Patrol Mission in Nogales, Arizona in 2006-2007 and served in Bagdad, Iraq May 2007 thru February 2008.

He has been stationed in the following Units:

HHC 1st-116th 29th Infantry Division Roanoke, VA,
229th Chemical Company Roanoke, VA
3rd -111th Air Defense Artillery, Portsmouth, VA
HHC 1st-116th 29th Infantry Division, Lynchburg, VA

Currently Carson is stationed in Staunton, VA as the Senior Supply Master Sergeant E8 for HHC 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Some of Carson’s Awards he has received while serving:

Solider of the Year
Total of 4 Army Commendation Medals
Total of 3 Army Achievement Medals
Overseas Service Ribbon
NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Total of 5 Good Conduct Medals
Army Service Ribbon
Virginia Army National Guard Bronze Star
National Defense Service Ribbon (2nd Award)
Humanitarian Service Award  (2nd Award)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal

Carson’s Family 

Wife- Susan
Daughter & Son-in-Law- Amber and Jason Cobb
Daughter- LaurenParents- The Late Rev. John L. & Zola Wilson
Sister- Doris Underwood (brother-in-law) Johnny
Sister- Joy Cecil
Sister- Juanita WilsonNephew- Jason Underwood (his wife Leanne)
Nephew- Kevin Wilson (his wife Amy)
Niece- Krista Scruggs (her husband Justin)Great Nieces- Taylor Underwood, Ave & Julia Wilson