Athens State’s Annual Veterans Day Program to Feature Colonel Steve A. Erickson

Athens State University will host its annual Veterans Day program on Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00 am at the Alabama Veterans Museum in Athens, Alabama. This year’s program will feature Colonel (Retired) Steve A. Erickson.

Colonel (Retired) Erickson commissioned in 1996 through North Georgia College, now the University of North Georgia, as an Armor officer after earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In 1998, through the Army Branch Detail Program, he transitioned to the Quartermaster Corps and subsequently into the Logistics Corps. After 30 years of active duty, following a distinguished career of command and staff service across tactical, operational, institutional, and joint assignments, he transitioned to the retired rolls on July 1, 2026.

In his final assignment, Colonel Erickson served as Commandant of the Logistics branch and President of the U.S. Army Sustainment University, Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Virginia, where he led professional military education and leader development for Army, joint, interagency, civilian, and international logisticians and related professionals. His responsibilities included oversight of sustainment and logistics, operations research, and Joint Logistics training and education programs.

Colonel Erickson has served in a wide variety of leadership and staff positions at the tactical, operational, strategic and joint levels, including multiple combat deployments.  He commanded at every level up to Brigade Command. 

His assignment history includes service as a tank platoon leader in 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment; platoon leader and company executive officer in the 703d Main Support Battalion; Commander of a forward support company in the 15th Forward Support Battalion and as Division Logistics Plans Officer for the 1st Cavalry Division (Operation Iraqi Freedom);  Quartermaster Basic Officer Leader Course and Combined Logistics Captains Career Course instructor; brigade S4, 3d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, Support Operations Officer and Executive Officer for the 203d Brigade Support Battalion (Operation Iraqi Freedom); and Commander of the Ordnance Training Detachment, 194th Armored Brigade; lieutenant colonel assignments officer and career manager, and  Branch Chief, Logistics Branch, at U.S. Army Human Resources Command; Commander of the 215th Brigade Support; Commander of the 3d Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade; Chief, Logistics Operations and Plans Division, J4 Directorate, Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Commandant, Logistics Branch and Army Sustainment University.

His military education includes Airborne School, the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Supply and Services Management Officers Course, Combined Logistics Officers Captains Career Course, Aerial Delivery Management Officers Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Support Operations Course, Command and General Staff College, and Air War College. He is also recognized by the Society of Logistics & Engineers as a Demonstrated Master Logistician.

Colonel Erickson holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from North Georgia College, a Master of Science in Education/Leadership from Kansas State University, and a Master of Science in Security Studies from Air University.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with four campaign stars, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Parachutist Badge, Rigger Badge, and Combat Action Badge. His additional recognition includes Distinguished Member of the QM Regiment, Order of Saint Martin (QM), Order of Samuel Sharpe (OD), Order of Saint Christopher (TC), the CASCOM Multifunctional Logistics Somervell Award, and designation as a Noble Patron of Armor.

Colonel Erickson is married to the former Christine Guzman. They have two adult sons, Nathan and Aidan.

The deadline to reserve seats is Friday, November 6 at 5:00 pm. Seating is limited, so please register in advance. Reservations can be made at www.athens.edu/veterans-day.