Lee Flemming

Lee Andrew Flemming (born May 11, 1968) is a United States Army Infantry Officer; he is the current and 27th commanding officer of the Installation and Base Support Group (BSG) of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and most notably is the first African American in the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to command the installation since its inception in 1949 after the conclusion of World War II. SHAPE is the installation that houses Allied Command Operations (ACO) and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). COL Flemming was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has served five operational tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Hungary and Kosovo. He has commanded an infantry company, infantry battalion, and is the current commander of the biggest NATO installation, SHAPE. Colonel Flemming is a graduate of the University of Houston. He is also a 1986 recipient of the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement.

Early life and education
Flemming is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas. He is a 1991 graduate from University of Houston. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Houston, a Master of Military Arts and Science from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.

Military career
From May 1992 to June 1995 Flemming served with 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, CA. Here, he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Support Platoon Leader and Battalion Logistics Officer. Immediately following the Infantry Officer’s Advanced Course and the Bradley Leader’s Course. From June 1996 to June 1997 Flemming served as the Collective Training Officer for 5th Corps Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany where he deployed as an augmentee in support of Operation Joint Endeavor IFOR Bosnia. From June 1997 to June 2000 Flemming served with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany as the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer and Company Commander where he deployed to SFOR Bosnia and KFOR Kosovo. From August 2000 to June 2002 Flemming served as the Brigade Assistant Operations Officer for the 75th Division (ACRC) HQ in Houston, TX. From July 2002 to June 2003 Flemming attended the Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas.

From June 2003 to October 2006 Flemming reported to the 101st Infantry Division (Air Assault) in fort Campbell, Kentucky. In the 1st Brigade (327th Bastogne), 101st Division COL Flemming served as Brigade Logistics Officer and Battalion Operations and Executive Officer for 2nd of the 327th Infantry (No Slack). Flemming deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2005 with the 101st Division.

From November 2006 to June 2009 Flemming served at the Joint Land Component Headquarters Madrid in Madrid, Spain where he served as the Exercise Branch Chief. From June 2009 – May 2011 Flemming commanded 1-141 Infantry Battalion (Light). Flemming then served on the Army Staff at the Pentagon as an Inspector General from June 2011 – August 2013. From August 2013 to June 2014 Flemming completed a War College Fellowship at the National Defense University where he concentrated on combatting terrorism. In August 2015 Flemming assumed command of the Installation and Base Support group of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Flemming’s military education includes the Infantry Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, a War College Fellowship, The United States Army Airborne and Air Assault Schools, the Bradley Leader’s Course, and the United States Army Ranger School.

Awards and decorations
Awards:
 * Bronze Star (1 OLC)
 * Defense Meritorious Service Medal
 * Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC)
 * Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC)
 * Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC)
 * Global War on Terror Service Medal
 * Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
 * Iraq Campaign Medal
 * Kosovo Campaign Medal
 * NATO Medal
 * National Defense Service Medal
 * Army Service Ribbon
 * Combat Infantryman Badge
 * Expert Infantryman Badge
 * Parachutist Badge
 * Air Assault Badge
 * Ranger Tab

Personal life
Flemming is married to Michaela Flemming and they have one daughter.