Colonel Larry W. Curtis was born at Maryville, Tennessee on January 9, 1952. He graduated from Carolina High School in Greenville, South Carolina. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas. He received the Educational Specialist degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia and a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Colonel Curtis began his military career on November 4, 1971 by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He was promoted to corporal and honorably discharged on January 2, 1974. On August 15, 1981 he enlisted in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 142d Field Artillery, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Colonel Curtis was the Academic Honor Graduate of the Arkansas Military Academy, Officer Candidate School Class 26. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery on April 23, 1983 and served as Reconnaissance and Survey Officer, Ammo Officer, Fire Direction Officer and Battery Executive Officer. He was promoted to Captain on November 8, 1987 serving as Headquarters Company Commander, Installation Support Unit, Camp Robinson. Additional assignments include Administrative Officer and Aide-de-camp to The Adjutant General. Colonel Curtis was promoted to Major on February 22, 1993 and served as Historian for the Arkansas National Guard. He also served as Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company and S-1, 39th Infantry Brigade. On August 10, 1998 he was appointed Commander, 39th Support Battalion and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on October 16, 1998. Other assignments include Secretary to the General Staff and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel. On November 3, 2003 he was promoted to Colonel and assigned as J-1, Joint Force Headquarters – Arkansas.
Colonel Curtis’ military education includes Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course (Commandant’s List), Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff Officers Course (with honors), Reserve Component National Security Seminar, U.S. Army War College Defense Strategy Course and the United States Army War College.
Colonel Curtis’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass, Army Service Ribbon, Army Physical Fitness Badge, Arkansas Exceptional Service Medal, Arkansas Commendation Medal, Arkansas Service Ribbon with three diamond devices, Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon with diamond device, Arkansas Recruiting Ribbon and The Adjutant General’s Staff Identification Badge.
Colonel Curtis is a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, National Guard Association of the United States, National Guard Association of Arkansas, 142d Field Artillery Brigade Association, the National Infantry Association and the Alumni Association of the U.S. Army War College. Colonel Curtis resides in Sherwood with his wife, the former Claudia Kay Campbell. They have two daughters, Kelley and Brianna and one grandson, Caleb.