LT COLONEL JOHN T COLBURN – CLASS OF 1965

LT COLONEL JOHN T COLBURN – CLASS OF 1965

Colburn, John T., LTC (Ret) of Portage, Michigan

Lieutenant Colonel John T. Colburn was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1942. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. While attending Western he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity. He earned his Master's Degree from Wayne State University in 1967, an entered active duty in February, 1968.

During his two years active duty at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he served as a Public Education officer at the 95th Civil Affairs Group, as a Training Officer at the First Basic Training Brigade, and as the Operations Officer of the Center Consolidated Motor Pool in the Services Directorate of Fort Gordon.

Lieutenant Colonel Colburn joined the Army Reserve as soon as he was released from active duty. During his 26 years as a Reservist, he served the 415th Civil Affairs Company in several positions from Motor Officer to Assistant Operations Officer, and the 4160th U.S. Army Reserve Forces School as an instructor, Director of Officer Courses, and Assistant Commandant. His last assignments were with the 1st Brigade of the 85th Division (Exercise), Fort Sheridan, Illinois where he was the Assistant G-5 (Civil Military Operations Staff Officer), the G-1 (Administration and Personnel Staff Officer), and the Scenario Development Director in the Battle Projection Group. He is a graduate of many Army schools including graduating on the Commandant's List from the Army Command and General Staff College.

Lieutenant Colonel Colburn's military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Overseas Service Medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Colburn was a teacher in Michigan public schools for over 31 years before he retired, and now he is a Financial Advisor working for a major brokerage firm. He is married to the former Nancy Clark of Bangor, and they have two grown sons. He is a volunteer working with the American Red Cross handling military family emergencies, and he has served on several boards at Portage United Church of Christ.