Colonel S. Blake Alexander was born in Fort Rucker, Alabama and received his commission upon graduation from Texas A&M University in 1992 with degrees in Political Science and German. His education includes the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and he holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from Webster University.
COL Alexander began his career at the Aviation Officer Basic Course, graduating as the Distinguished Honor Graduate, followed by UH-60 Blackhawk course. Initially assigned to 7th Battalion 1st Aviation, Katterbach, Germany, he served as an Assault Platoon Leader and Brigade Assistant Human Resources Officer until attending the Aviation Officer Advanced Course in 1997. After graduating as an Honor Graduate, he was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas as the III Corps Aviation Officer. He was later assigned to 4th Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division as the Brigade Human Resources Officer and deployed to Bosnia for SFOR 4/5. Upon redeployment, he served in 2nd Battalion 227th Aviation Regiment as the Headquarters Company Commander followed by command of a UH-60 Aviation Company.
In 2002, COL Alexander moved to Fort Rucker and served as a small group leader and then as the Commander of the Aviation Captains Career Course, 1-145th Aviation Regiment. He completed Command and General Staff College in 2005, earning honors as a Master Tactician, before returning to the 1st Cavalry Division, Air Cavalry Brigade as the Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion 227th Aviation Regiment. During his tenure, he supported Humanitarian Relief Operations for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Pakistan earthquake. In 2006, COL Alexander became the Operations Officer of 3rd Battalion 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, deploying to Taji, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and completing his tour as the Battalion Executive Officer.
In January 2008, he was assigned to US Army Human Resources Command, where he served as an Aviation Assignment Officer, Aviation Branch Executive Officer, and finally as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General of HRC. In July of 2010, COL Alexander assumed command of 3d Battalion, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas deploying the unit to Shindand, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In July of 2012, he completed his command and reported to 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters, where he served as the Division Inspector General until his assignment to the Army War College in July 2014.
COL Alexander’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), Air Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Parachutist Badge, Italian Joint Forces Command General Staff’s Honour Decoration, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal of Distinction.
COL Alexander is married to Lori (Rector) Alexander, and they have three sons, Kyle, Ross and Bryce.
