SFC Jesse A. Sample is a native of Converse, Texas. He entered the U.S. Army on October 22, 1997. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he was awarded the Military Occupation Specialty as a 19D Cavalry Scout.
SFC Sample’s assignments include Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Hood, Texas; and Camp Gary Owen, Korea. SFC Sample has four combat tours: during Operation Enduring Freedom (2002) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2004) with 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry; Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005–2007) with 8th Squadron 10th Cavalry; and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008–2009) with 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry.
SFC Sample has attended numerous military schools, including the Platoon Leadership and Developmental Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, Maneuver Senior Leaders Course, M3A2 Bradley Commanders Certification Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, Observer Controller Academy, Squad Designated Marksmanship Course, Small Arms Master Gunner Course, Armorer Course, Air Loaders Course, Javelin Instructors Course, and the Field Sanitation Course.
SFC Sample has served in all positions in a scout platoon, from scout driver to a scout platoon sergeant. SFC Sample’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device (one oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal with “V” device (five oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (six oak leaf clusters), Good Conduct Medal (third award), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (with four campaign stars), War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (with number 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (with number 4), Combat Action Badge, Drivers Badge, and the Order of Saint George.
SFC Sample is married to the former Sandra L. Freed from New Castle, Pa., and they have seven children: Kayla, Cody, Nathan, Aiden, Cadence, and twins Paiten and Brendon.
