Leonard Kiser

Colonel Leonard H. Kiser (ret.) is a 43 year resident of Etowah County and has worked more than 23 years in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff, Municipal Police Officer and State Investigator and Supervisor. He retired from the State of Alabama in 1997 and returned to active duty service in the US Army at the rank of Major.

Kiser served over 39 years of continuous military service in the US Army, Army National Guard and US Army Reserve. He began his career as an enlisted man and in 1982 he accepted a direct commission as a First Lieutenant.

Colonel Kiser holds an Associate Degree from Gadsden State Community College, an Undergraduate and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University and a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. He is a graduate of numerous military schools including the Command and General Staff Course, Special Operations Precommand Course and the United States Army War College.

His significant assignments include Commander of the 20th Special Forces Group, Commander of The Special Operations Command and Control Element, Horn of Africa, Deputy Program Manager for the Paladin Field Artillery System, Senior National Guard Advisor at the United States Army Special Operations Command, United States Army John F. Kennedy, Special Warfare Center and School and First United States Army.

Colonel Kiser holds numerous awards including the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, The Bronze Star Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, The Special Forces Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge and Pathfinder Badge.

Colonel Kiser was selected for promotion to Brigade General by the United States Senate but elected to retire on August 23, 2010.

Leonard and his wife, Sherian, have been married over 22 years, have two step-daughters and seven grandchildren. They are members of Covenant Christian Church in Hokes Bluff.

Kiser currently serves as Chairman of the Etowah County Patriots Association, is a member of the Etowah County Republican Executive Committee and is active as a Mason and a Shriner.