SPC Russell deployed to Guantanamo Cuba May 2022 with the 1303rd Military Police Company. SPC Russell is a 2019 graduate from Tucker County, Mountaineer Challenge Academy, and also graduated from Eastern Community College with his degree in Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. After achieving this at just 16, he then joined the United States Army with the 363rd Military Police Battalion out of Grafton WV at 17 years old.
In his civilian job Russell is a Correctional Officer with the state of WV at Tygart Valley Regional Jail. While deployed SPC Russell was promoted from PFC, he also received the Army Achievement Medal.
Russell plans on deploying again this summer and looks forward to becoming active duty and working towards becoming a drill Sgt. For now, he will return home in St George with his parents, Brent and Wendy Gidley, and his siblings Rileigh, Isaiah, and Matthew. Welcome home soldier!