Steven N. Wickstrom


Steven N. Wickstrom is a retired Army National Guard officer. He attained the rank of major general as commander of the [42nd Infantry Branch (United States)|Infantry Division (United States)|42nd Infantry Division] from 2009 to 2013.

Early life and education

Steven Norman Wickstrom was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on April 16, 1958. When he was five, his family moved from Worcester to Medway, Massachusetts. He graduated from Medway High School in 1977, and was nominated to attend the United States Military Academy. He graduated in 1981, and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry. In 1988, he received a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.

Military education

During his military career, courses Wickstrom completed include the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He is a 2010 graduate of the Joint Task Force Commander's Course, and a 2011 graduate of the Senior Executive Seminar at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. Wickstrom also graduated from the Airborne and Ranger schools.

Army career

Wickstrom served on Army active duty from 1981 to 1986. His assignments included: Platoon Leader, Company B, 4th Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment, 194th Armor Brigade, Fort Knox, Kentucky ; Platoon Leader, Company A, 4th Battalion, 54th Infantry ; Executive Officer, Company B, 4th Battalion, 54th Infantry ; Support Platoon Leader, 4th Battalion, 54th Infantry ; and Adjutant, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Start of National Guard career

Wickstrom transferred to the United States Army Reserve Control Group in August 1986. In March 1990 he transferred into the Massachusetts Army National Guard. His initial postings included: Personnel staff officer, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division ; Commander, Company D, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry, 26th Infantry Division ; Counterintelligence Staff Officer, Headquarters, 26th Infantry Division ; Logistics Staff Officer, 26th Infantry Brigade ; Plans, Operations and Training Staff Officer, 26th Infantry Brigade ; and Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry, 29th Infantry Division.

Later National Guard career

Wickstrom was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1997. His assignments as a senior field grade officer included: Commander, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry, 29th Infantry Division ; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of Plans and Operations, Headquarters, State Area Command, Massachusetts Army National Guard ; Executive Officer, 26th Infantry Brigade, 29th Infantry Division ; Program Coordinator, 26th Infantry Brigade, 29th Infantry Division ; Strategic Planning Officer, Headquarters, State Area Command, Massachusetts Army National Guard ; Student, United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania ; Commander, 26th Infantry Brigade, 29th Infantry Division ; and Staff Director, Joint Force Headquarters, Massachusetts National Guard.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

From June to September 2006, Wickstrom served at Camp Victory, Iraq as Team Leader, Joint Center for Operational Analysis, United States Joint Forces Command.

Career as general officer

Brigadier general

Upon returning to the United States in October 2006, Wickstrom was assigned as deputy commander of the 42nd Infantry Division. He was promoted to brigadier general in October 2007, and served as deputy commander until 2009.

42nd Division commander

In May 2009, Wickstrom succeeded Paul C. Genereux as commander of the 42nd Infantry Division. During his command, division soldiers assisted civilian authorities to respond to several natural disasters, including Hurricanes Irene and Sandy.

Retirement

Wickstrom completed his command of the 42nd Division in April 2013, after which he retired from the military. He was succeeded by Harry E. Miller Jr.

Awards

Individual awards

Unit awards

Tabs and badges

Effective dates of promotion

Civilian career

After completing his active Army service, Wickstrom became an engineer and operated his own business in Massachusetts, which he continued to do during his National Guard service.

Family

Upon leaving the Army 1986, Wickstrom settled in Southboro, and later moved to Upton. Wickstrom met his wife Collette while they were students at Medway High School, and they resided in Upton with their sons, Zach and Steve.