SEAC(r) William J. "Joe" Gainey
Board Member & Class of 2012 / 2007
SEAC(r) Joe Gainey is a Trident University graduate and was the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC). The appointment of SEAC(r) Gainey gives Trident an incredible resource to help us achieve our vision. Furthermore, he joins Trident’s fellow board members in actively supporting the University’s mission to provide support and educational opportunities to members of the United States military, veterans, and their families. SEAC(r) Gainey enlisted in the Army in 1974, and went on to hold leadership positions ranging from gunner to Command Sergeant Major. He served in Operation Joint Endeavor (IFOR), Operation Joint Guard (SFOR3) and Operation Joint Forge (SFOR 8) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. SEAC(r) Gainey retired in April 2008 after 33 years of honorable service.
- Status: Retired
- Branch: Army
- Rank: Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC)
- Years: 33 Years
- Accolades: LIST OF MEDALS AND RIBBONS: Army Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Bronze Star (with Valor device); Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 silver and 2 bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with 1 silver and 2 bronze Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Good Conduct Medal (silver clasp with 5 loops); Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Army Superior Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal (with 2 service stars); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (with 2 service stars); Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with "4" award numeral); Army Service Ribbon; Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with "4" award numeral); NATO Medal (with 2 service stars); German Sports Badge (Sportabzeichen in Bronze). BADGES: Combat Action Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; Pathfinder Badge; Expert Rifle Badge; Gold Medallion of the Honorable Order of Saint George, United States Armor Association; Silver Medallion of the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara, Air Defense Artillery Association. FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND AWARDS: German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship (Schützenschnur in Bronze); German Sports Badge (Sportabzeichen in Bronze)