Title: Field Artillery Officer
Company: U.S. Army
Location: El Paso, Texas, United States
Major Rafael E. Chico-Lugo, PhD, Field Artillery Officer at U.S. Army, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements, and leadership in military operations and organizational development.
Dr. Chico-Lugo is recognized for his commitment to military operations as a transitioning Army officer with the U.S. Army since 2024 in El Paso, Texas. His role comes after serving as a senior operations officer for the 1st Armored Division, Battalion and Brigade S3 of the U.S. Army between 2023 and 2024, where he was responsible for identifying, forecasting and resourcing organizational initiatives, ensuring that personnel within his division are being developed, and collaborating and presenting options with senior leadership to make decisions on organizational objectives .
Commissioning in the military in 2009, Dr. Chico-Lugo’s career progressed over the years as a Field Artillery Officer beginning with junior level Artillery position progressing to command and later senior level targeting with the joint military force during deployments. He also taught military science as an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati under the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Dr. Chico-Lugo is planning to transition from the Army in 2025,
Becoming highly educated, Dr. Chico-Lugo obtained a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies focusing on military science, international studies, and Arabic from Norfolk State University in 2009, a Master of Arts in international relations with a security policy focus from Saint Mary’s University in 2013 and a Doctor of Philosophy in organizational development and leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus in 2021. He notably participated in the ROTC program during his college studies and joined the U.S. Army immediately following receiving his commission. Dr. Chico-Lugo’s education has been a hallmark of his career.
Civically, Dr. Chico-Lugo is active with the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Association of the United States Army, the National Society of Pershing Rifles, and is a recipient of the Honorable Order of St. Barbara, among others. He enjoys the camaraderie and welcoming environment of these organizations, which enable him to remain active within the military realm.
Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Army, Dr. Chico-Lugo has received substantial success and has overcome many challenges including being wounded in combat. Although he sustained a life-altering injury during his first deployment to Afghanistan, he remained active in the military following extensive rehabilitation and a prosthetic leg.
Inspired by his father, who served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years, and his grandfathers, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Dr. Chico-Lugo is recognized as a third-generation soldier. Grateful for his service, he notes its incredible impact on his life, providing unparalleled opportunities for personal advancement and growth.
Honoring his service, Dr. Chico-Lugo was decorated with the coveted Purple Heart Medal, a Combat Action Badge and numerous Meritorious Service Medals. He attributes his success and longevity in the military to his belief that overcoming adversity always leads to personal growth. Additionally, Dr. Chico-Lugo reflects on his life and career positively, noting his tremendous resilience.
In preparation for his future, Dr. Chico-Lugo intends to pursue professional opportunities within the Washington, D.C., metro area, where he can continue serving the nation’s defense, perhaps with the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. Department of the Army. His goal is to continue making an impact on society. Dr. Chico-Lugo is confident in his abilities and looks forward to offering invaluable guidance and expertise in future roles.
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