Deputy Commandant, SFC William Partridge

Sergeant First Class (Retired) William ‘Billy’ Partridge has been the Deputy Commandant of Cadets since July 27, 2009. He came to TMI with a wealth of skills and experience. He is a graduate of East High School in Akron, Ohio, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio, TX.

He entered the United States Army in July 1977. His over 22 years of active duty included service as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Knox, KY, Signal Platoon Sergeant at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a Communications NCO at the Army Personnel Center in Alexandria, VA. SFC (Ret) Partridge also served with the 54th Signal Battalion in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia during Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. Before retiring from Active Duty in August 1999, his career culminated at Fort Sam Houston with the 147th Medical Logistics Command.

SFC (Ret) Partridge is a graduate of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School and the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course. Additionally, he has earned the distinguished certification as a Master Fitness Trainer. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), National Defense Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon.

Before coming to TMI, SFC (Ret) Partridge has worked with Army JROTC units in Mt. Orab, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, and Houston, Texas, where he led these units to the acclaimed Honor Unit with Distinction status from the U.S. Army Cadet Command. This is the highest rating available for Army JROTC units. He is married to the former Joyce Thomas and has two children, Aaron and Thomas.