- Rank:
- Sergeant First Class
- Email:
- jaberna@iu.edu
- Department:
- Military Science
- Campus:
- IU Bloomington
SFC John Abernathy enlisted into the United States Army in July of 2004. He attended One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Sill, OK. His first assignment was with Bravo Battery 3-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division located at Fort Bragg, NC where he served as Radio/Telephone Operator, Vertical and Horizontal Control Operator, Fire Control Sergeant, and Fire Control NCO.
In 2013, he was selected to be an Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Instructor/Writer and was assigned to Alpha Battery 1-78 Field Artillery at Fort Sill, OK. Upon completion of his assignment in 2016, he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division located at Fort Carson, CO. During his tenure he served as the Battalion Fire Control NCO, Battalion Senior Fire Control Sergeant, and Battalion Fire Control Master Gunner.
In 2019, he was reassigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery (DIVARTY), 4th Infantry Division where he served as the DIVARTY Fire Control Master Gunner and Senior Fire Control Sergeant in the DIVARTY Fire Control Element. In 2020, he was selected to serve as a Military Science Instructor at Indiana University Army ROTC.
SFC Abernathy has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VI and XII; Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 and 09-10; and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He is a graduate of Airborne School, Tactical Electronic Warfare Operations Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Mission Command Digital Master Gunner Course, Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate), Senior Leader Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate), and Field Artillery Master Gunners Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate).
SFC Abernathy has been awarded the Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (8th award); Army Achievement Medal (10th award); Navy Achievement Medal; Navy Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award); Army Good Conduct medal (5th award); National Defense Service Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal (3 campaign stars); Iraq Campaign Medal (2 campaign stars); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 4); the NATO Medal (2nd award); Combat Action Badge; Master Gunner Identification Badge; Basic Army Instructor Badge; Basic Parachutist Badge; Drivers Badge; Royal Netherlands Army Parachutist Badge. He is also a recipient of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
SFC Abernathy is married to Rebekah and they have 3 children.