Battalion XO's Biography

CURRAHEE 5

Raul E. GonzalezMajor Raul E. Gonzalez was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and his family now resides in Hartford, Connecticut. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. He earned his Regular Army commission in May 1990, and entered active duty service in the Infantry Branch on 28 October 1991.

Following his commission, Major Gonzalez attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course, U.S. Army Ranger School, and subsequently was assigned to the 1st Battalion 327th Infantry Regiment "Air Assault" at FT Campbell, Kentucky. There he served as a Rifle Platoon and a Scout Platoon Leader. He then was assigned to 3d Ranger Battalion where he served as a Ranger Rifle Platoon Leader.

After completion of the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, Major Gonzalez served as Assistant Professor of Military Science at Virginia Tech University where he was awarded the "General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award" for First ROTC Region. He then completed the Combined Arms Service Staff School and was assigned to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment where he served as the Regimental Adjutant and commanded C Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Upon the conclusion of second command Major Gonzalez served as an advisor in American Samoa for two infantry companies of the 100th Battalion 442d Infantry Brigade.

After his tour in Samoa Major Gonzalez attended the Command and General Staff College at FT Leavenworth, Kansas where he earned a Masters Degree in Business. He then was assigned to 1st Battalion 506th Infantry Regiment in the Republic of Korea where he served as the Battalion Executive Officer. Major Gonzalez currently remains as the Battalion Executive Officer for the Currahee Battalion as they conduct combat operations in Iraq.

Major Gonzalez's awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Multinational Force Observer Ribbon, Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

He is married to the former Jennifer A. Dupler from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have one daughter, Jade, age 13.