COL Jay Reckard retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of faithful service.  He culminated his career as the Director of the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) where he was responsible for the Nation’s chemical weapons stockpile storage and destruction, the assessment and elimination of recovered chemical warfare material; and consistent policy and compliance as the Army’s Implementing Agent for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the international treaty that prohibits the use and development of chemical weapons.

COL Reckard commanded at every level from platoon through brigade and led a joint task force responsible for responding to WMD events in the United States.  He has served on tactical, operational and strategic staffs and has extensive experience in Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, National Security Strategy, Programming the Army Defense Budget, Biosafety and Security, and Countering Improvised Explosive Devices.  He served as Professor of Chemistry at the United States Military Academy.  He deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia; Operation Uphold Democracy in Port au Prince Haiti; and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 

COL Reckard earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Biochemistry from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Strategic Planning and Policy from the National Defense University. He is a graduate of numerous Army and continuing education training programs. 

COL Reckard’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

He is a member of the Association of the United States Army, The Chemical Corps Regimental Association, The Veterans of Foreign Wars and numerous other service organizations.