BIOGRAPHY- Command Sergeant Major Roger J. Ehrke Sr.

 Mr. Ehrke started his career in 1964 with the US Army serving in Vietnam.  He completed his service in 1996 as Command Sergeant Major of the 4th Aviation Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado.  Much of his career was as a leader in aircraft maintenance.  He served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield and was awarded his third Bronze Star Medal.  During his time in service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, ten Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars in addition to numerous other ribbons, badges and awards.  Mr. Ehrke’s Vietnam unit was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation.  Roger was selected as the 2022 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year.

Roger is the president of the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade board and committee.  His passions revolve around veterans and veteran organizations.  He is the national vice-president of the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association (AFTEA), a national organization which is an alliance of senior Non-Commissioned Officers who support all aspects of national security and the men and women who have served.  Mr. Ehrke helped establish this organization and has been in a leadership role since its founding in 2003.  Roger is also a lifetime member of The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA).  His leadership and efforts throughout these organizations have assisted veterans in having a social outlet and places to make friends and keep with happenings in the military and veteran community.