Colonel Donald Alsbro

Colonel (COL) Donald E. Alsbro was commissioned as a Reserve officer at Western Michigan University in the Infantry branch and entered the U.S. Army in 1963.  His active duty assignments included platoon leader, 1st Battalion, 15th Brigade (Germany):, 3rd Infantry Division Special Services officer and 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Sports Officer (Germany); Civil Affairs, 1st Air Cavalry (AM) (Vietnam); Fifth US Army HQ, Ft Sheridan, IL; Chief AG Special Actions, 4th Infantry Division (Vietnam); Chief AG Administrative Services, 23rd Infantry Division (Vietnam); Test Control Officer, Ft Bliss, TX. His USAR service includes Company Commander, 317th Convalescent Center; Operations and Training Officer, 149th Medical Detachment; Executive Officer, 149th Medical Detachment, and six long tours as Medical Coordinator at Camp Ripley, MN and Camp Grayling, MI.

COL Alsbro received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Western Michigan University, a Masters of Arts degree from Roosevelt University, a Master of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Western Michigan University and a Doctorate in Education from Wayne State University. His military education includes: Infantry Officer Basic Jungle Warfare School, adjutant Components National Security Course, Medical Advance Course and several resident and non-resident medical courses.

COL Alsbro’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Jungle Expert Badge.

COL Alsbro’s civilian occupation is professor of health and physical education, Lake Michigan College. He had developed a wellness program “Dump Your Plump” that has been used by schools and businesses throughout the U.S. in the promotion of exercise and weight loss. He has been selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in Midwest Education (1991) and Who’s Who in U.S. Education (1992).

COL Alsbro is married to the former Sharon Marie Gildea of Kalamazoo, MI. Sharon is a graduate of university High and Western Michigan University. Their present hometown is Benton Harbor, MI. They have three children: Lynn, Steve, and Alan.  Steve is presently serving as company commander for the 542nd Transportation Company in Saudi Arabia.

COL Alsbro’s present USAR assignment is with the Emergency Operations Center, Health Services Command, Ft Sam Houston, TX.