SFC Justin Lankford is a native of Dickson County, Tennessee. In 2005, he graduated high school and enlisted as an Infantryman in 2006.
Upon completion of One Station Unit Training, SFC Lankford was assigned to Bravo Company, 1-67th IN, Fort Hood, Texas where he served as an Automatic Rifleman and Team Leader. There, he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2007 and 2008-2009.
Next, SFC Lankford was assigned to Alpha Company, 1-66th IN, Fort Carson, Colorado where he served as a Squad Leader. There, he deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom 2010-2011. SFC Lankford was then assigned to Charlie Company, 4th ARTB, Fort Benning, Georgia where he served as a Ranger Instructor from 2013 to 2016.
Then, he was assigned to Easy Company, 2-506th IN, Fort Campbell, Kentucky and served as Platoon Sergeant and Operations Sergeant. There, he deployed to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel 2016-2017.
Now, SFC Lankford is honored to serve as a Military Science Instructor for the University of Tennessee Knoxville where he is the Primary Instructor for Military Science and Leadership 301 & 302.
SFC Lankford’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Stars), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 Stars), the Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is a graduate of the Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course and the Senior Leader Course.
He is married to Mrs. Reynelda Lankford of Killeen, TX with whom he has 3 children.