Colonel Vance Nannini

Colonel Vance Nannini was commissioned through Western Michigan University's Reserve Officer Training Corps Program as a Distinguished Military Graduate on 24 April 1982. After graduating from the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course, the Basic Airborne Course, and the Ranger Course, LTC Nannini was assigned to the 82d Airborne Division from February 1983 through June 1986 where he served as a Company Fire Support Officer (include service during Operation URGENT FURY), a Battery Fire Direction Officer, and a Battalion Fire Support Officer.

After graduating from the Field Artillery Officers Advanced Course, Colonel Nannini was assigned to the 2d Infantry Division from April 1987 through June 1989 where he served as a Battalion S-1 and as Commander of Battery A, 8th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery.

Returning from Korea, Colonel Nannini served as the Battalion Fire Support Officer for 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from July 1989 through June 1992, to include service during Operation JUST CAUSE. After his assignment with 1st Ranger Battalion, Colonel Nannini returned to Korea where he served as a training and operations officer with US Army Garrison, Camp Red Cloud from July 1992 to May 1993.

After graduating from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Colonel Nannini was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) from June 1994 through June 1996 where he served as the Brigade Fire Support Officer for the 1st Brigade and the Battalion Operations Officer for 2d Battalion, 320th Field Artillery. Following service with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Colonel Nannini returned to the Ranger Regiment where he served as the Regimental Fire Support Officer from June 1996 through June 1999.

After his assignment to the Ranger Regiment, Colonel Nannini reported to the 10th Mountain Division where he served from June 1999 through June 2002 as the Deputy Fire Support Coordinator and then as the Commander of 3d Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, to include service in support of Operations JOINT FORGE (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and JOINT GUARDIAN (Kosovo).

Since graduating from the U.S. Army War College in June 1993, Colonel Nannini has served on the Joint Staff in J-3, Joint Operations Directorate - USEUCOM Division.

His decorations, badges and unit awards include: The Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/4 Oak Leak Clusters, Army Commendation Medal w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Medal (2 awards - Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo), SW Asia Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal), and Global War on Terrorism Medal. Colonel Nannini's badges include the Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge, and the Master Parachutist Badge.

COL Naninni is married to the former Un Mi XX formerly of Kyongi-do, Republic of Korea. They have two daughters, Rebecca and Victoria.