A/2-72 AR Commander's Biography

APACHE 6

Christopher L. F. PlekenpolCPT Christopher L. F. Plekenpol began his military career in May of 1995 as a plebe at the United States Military Academy. CPT Plekenpol graduated in May 0f 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and branched Armor. He attended the Armor Officer Basic Course in July of 1999.

Upon graduation, then 2LT Plekenpol went to the Scout Platoon Leader's Course and Airborne Schoole enroute to Fort Bragg to join the 1-17th Cavalry Squadron. This squadron served as the Divisional Scouts for the 82nd Airborne Division. 2LT Plekenpol was platoon leader for 3rd platoon, Alpha Troop, 1-17 Cavalry, leading his platoon through several jumps, gunneries, and field training exercises. He then was selected by the Division to be a part of the 82nd Airborne Best Ranger Team and competed in the 2001 Best Ranger Competition at Ft. Benning, GA, representing the 82nd Airborne Division. After completing this competition, 1LT Plekenpol became Troop Executive Officer of Alpha Troop which he held for the remaining 19 months of his time at Fort Bragg. As Executive Officer, 1LT Plekenpol helped successfully lead the troop through numerous jumps, gunneries, field training exercises as well as a month long deployment to NTC. After completing his time in the 82nd Airborne Division, CPT Plekenpol, attended the Special Forces Assesment and Selection Course at Camp Mackall and was selected to attend the Q-Course on 2 October 2002.

CPT Plekenpol then went to Ft. Benning to complete the Infantry Captain's Career Course, being only 1 of 5 armor officers to attend. Upon graduation, CPT Plekenpol turned down the SF Q-course to become the Assistant Operations Officer at Camp Casey, Korea as part of the Dragon Force of 2-72 Armor. On 7 May 2004, CPT Plekenpol took command of the Apache Tribe. Two weeks later, while at gunnery with his company, CPT Plekenpol was told to ready his men for combat. The Apaches were going to war as a part of the Band of Brothers, 1-506 PIR. As part of the Currahee Task Force, CPT Plekenpol and the Apaches completed a rigorous train-up and set out for Camp Habbaniyah Iraq where CPT Plekenpol, put his tank treads on the ground and commanded his men in battle for over 300 days straight. There was never a minute since the Currahees had the battle space that one of the Apache Tribe's men was not in harm's way forging freedom. CPT Plekenpol continues in his capacity as commander to this day. CPT Plekenpol is known for his love for Jesus Christ and his desire to become more like Him.

Awards and Badges include the US Army Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist Wings, Air Assault Badge, 2 X NDSM, ARCOM, 2 X AAM, and the ASR