0347
Jeffery T. Stitzel
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
2ndHighest Military Rank
Command Sergeant MajorMilitary Dates
Aug 1987 - Aug 2018Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Farmington, MICurrent City / State
Leesburg, MIContact Information
Units & Campaigns
US Army Africa/SETAF, OUA, Liberia Sep 14 - Nov 14 Command Sergeant Major1st Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, OIF, Iraq Jun 07 - Jul 08 Sergeant Major
D Company, 2d Battalion, 504th PIR, OEF, Afghanistan Apr 05 - Mar 06 First Sergeant
D Company, 2d Battalion, 504th PIR, OIF, Iraq Dec 03 - Apr 04 First Sergeant
Awards & Decorations
Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal for Valor
Army Commendation Medal (with 12 Oak Leaf Cluster)
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal (with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Valorous Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Superior Unit Award
Armed Forces Service Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal (with 10 knots)
Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon (Numeral 5)
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge
Drill Sergeant Identification Badge
Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Pathfinder Badge
Air Assault Badge
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
How long does the Sentinel hesitate after the facing movement to begin the return walk? Is the rifle carried on the same shoulder all the time?
The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds, then step off for another 21 step walk down the mat. They face the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until the the Guard Change ceremony begins.
