Gregory Nathan Ash Jr.

Title: Colonel (Ret.)
Company: U.S. Army
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Gregory Nathan Ash Jr., retired colonel in the U.S. Army, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military Professionals for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the profession of arms.

First enlisting immediately after graduating from high school in 1987, Mr. Ash crafted an esteemed military career across 35 years. He served as an enlisted soldier in the National Guard for five years before transitioning to becoming a commissioned officer while pursuing higher education. While in college, Mr. Ash remained active with the military through enrollment in the ROTC program. By the time he graduated in 1991, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps, an honor which was accompanied by a scholarship to attend medical school.

Adjusting to changing needs in the military at the time, Mr. Ash shifted to serve in the Field Artillery Corps. located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. As an artilleryman, he held various positions as a field artillery officer for four years. Continuing his progression in the army, he transitioned into the Adjutant General Corps. where he specialized in the human resources sector in 1997. Throughout his professional life, Mr. Ash held various positions in the human resources area such as regimental human resources manager, deputy director of army protocol, and was deployed to the International Security Assistance Force joint command in Iraq. Following deployment, he transitioned to the Pentagon where he held various positions such as deputy assistant chief of staff for the Army Suitability Division Chief.

Having deployed to areas such as Afghanistan and Bosnia, Mr. Ash culminated his final assignment as commander of the U.S. Army NATO Brigade in Germany. Building a global perspective as part of this experience, he traveled to more than 30 NATO-affiliated countries and collaborated with foreign dignitaries in the area of human resource management. Returning stateside prior to his retirement, Mr. Ash served as an operations liaison officer for the Ceremonies and Outreach Directorate. His responsibilities for this role was part of the Joint Task Force Headquarters for the National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington. During this culmination of his career, Mr. Ash oversaw major events in the area, including presidential inaugurations and ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. He was particularly proud to witness how veterans were honored before retiring from active duty in 2022.

Simultaneously with his military career, Mr. Ash prioritized continued self-development through his education, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut in 1991. In 2004, he obtained a master’s degree in military operational art and science studies from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Subsequently, Mr. Ash earned a master’s degree in military operational art and science from the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College in 2006, followed by a Master of Business Administration in human resources management from the University of Phoenix in 2013. Prior to serving as the NATO brigade commander, Mr. Ash completed further military education by attending the U.S. Army War College in 2018 and earning a master’s degree in military and strategic studies. Mr. Ash further solidified his academic achievements with certification through the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute in 2018.

Mr. Ash has garnered several awards and commendations for his military service. He is a multiple-time recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and two Bronze Stars. Mr. Ash has also been presented with the St. Barbara’s Artillery Award Commendation Medal. He attributes his success to his perseverance, tenacity, dedication and strong spiritual faith. Mr. Ash believes that the Army gave him the tools he needed to become a great leader and mentor. He particularly notes the importance of the military decision-making process (MDMP), which he internalized as a collaborative framework and frequently references to determine the best approach to find effective solutions to complex problems.

Since retiring from the Army in 2022, Mr. Ash has continued to pursue self-improvement and opportunities to contribute to others and uplift his community. To this end, he has started building a venture he calls Team Ash, through which he hopes to encourage and inspire people to recognize their potential and find support in tackling the challenges of life. As he expands Team Ash, Mr. Ash is motivated by his own experience of being diagnosed with macular dystrophy. This further reinforces his devotion to becoming a source of strength whom other people can turn to when they need help finding resilience.

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