WFU ROTC |Faculty and Staff

Lieutenant Colonel King Y. Kao, Professor of Military Science (PMS). Email. (336) 758-5541

LTC King Y. Kao is the Professor of Military Science at Wake Forest University. LTC Kao was commissioned a second lieutenant following graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1994. His military education includes the Transportation Basic Course, the NBC Officer Course, the Air Deployment Planning Course, the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, the Combined Arms and Service Staff School, the Motor Pool Operations/Management Course, the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), the Support Operations Course, and the Joint Planning Course. His civilian education includes: a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Administration from Bowie State University, a Master of Science (M.S.) in International Relations from Troy University, a M.A. in Management from Webster University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) in Law from Arizona State University.
His first assignment was Mannheim, Germany where he served as Platoon Leader with the 69th Transportation Command and Executive Officer with HHD 28th Transportation Battalion (TC BN). After deploying to Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1996, he returned to Germany as the Assistant S-3 Training Officer of the 28th Transportation Battalion. In 1997, he was assigned to the 39th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) as the Assistant S-3 Operations Officer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. In 1998, he was the Assistant Secretary of the General Staff at the 21st Theater Army Area Command (now the Theater Sustainment Command). He was selected in 1998 to attend law school under the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program.

In 2000, after graduating from law school, he served as a claims officer at Fort Bliss, TX. After the events of 9/11/2001, he returned to the Transportation Corps and served as the Brigade Transportation Officer in the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade (ADA BDE). He commanded of the 13th Maintenance Company, 3-2 ADA BN, from 2003-2004. In 2005, he served as the G4 Plans and Transportation Officer, 32nd Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) and conducted missions in South Korea in support of Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL) and Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI) exercises before attending Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 2006.
In 2007, as a Logistics Corps officer, he deployed to the Middle East as the G4 Support Operations Officer (SPO) of the 335th Theater Signal Command (TSC) in support of OPERATIONs IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. He served as the senior logistics advisor to the Commanding General, 335th TSC. In 2008, his next assignment was the Group S-3 and later the Brigade S-3 for the 598th Transportation Group/Brigade, Surface Deployment Distribution Command (SDDC). In 2010, he became the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff, Army Materiel Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2011, LTC Kao served as a Materiel Strategist in the Office of the Secretary of the Army – Office of Business Transformation, Business Innovation Directorate at the Pentagon in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2012, he was assigned to Wake Forest University ROTC in Winston Salem, North Carolina as the Professor of Military Science.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with Four Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with OLC), Army Achievement Medal (with three OLC), National Defense Service Medal (with Service Star), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon (2 tours), the NATO Medal, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Army Superior Unit Award.

Major Roy Ferguson, Battalion Executive Officer, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS)
Email. (336) 758-5542

Major Roy Ferguson was born in southern New Jersey and grew up in Central Florida. His home or record is Winter Park Florida. Major Ferguson attended Flagler College on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor degree in Social Science. After college he attended basic training and Officer Candidate School at Fort Banning Georgia. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and branched Armor. His first assignment was at Fort Riley (Big Red One) and served as a Tank Platoon Leader. He then was assigned to Boobligen Germany for three years and served as an M1 tank platoon leader, maintenance platoon leader and class IX officer for the First Infantry Division (FWD). After returning back to the United States he was branched Quartermaster Corps and commanded at Fort Jackson South Carolina. He then served at Western Carolina University as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. For three years he was the MS III instructor as well as the Ranger Challenge Team coach. Major Ferguson was then selected to be the Quartermaster General’s liaison at Fort Lee with duty in Natick Massachusetts at the Soldier Systems Command. He then served in Bosnia and Croatia as a liaison officer for the Quartermaster Center and School. After returning from overseas he spent three years at Fort Hood completing CGSC and serving as a Battalion S3. He finished his twenty years of service at Fort Gordon Georgia at the home of the signal corp. He served as the 116th MI Group S4 and the 347th Regiment Battalion XO. Major Ferguson retired after twenty years of active service. For six years after retiring he served as the Senior Army Instructor in JROTC. In July of 2011 Major Ferguson returned to active duty to be the MS II instructor and Battalion Executive Officer for the ROTC program at Wake Forest.

Major Ferguson’s military education includes Basic Training, Officer Candidate School, Armor Officer Basic Course, Supply Support Management Course, Subsistence Officer Course, Contracting Course, QM Advance Course, CAS3 and Command and General Staff Course. His awards include MSM, Joint Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon and NATO Medal.

Major Roy Ferguson has been married to Trudy Ferguson for 27 years and they have three wonderful children. Rachelle (25), Ryan (24), and Joshua (9). As well as two grandchildren Gavin (6) and Keegan (3).

Major Jacob Blanton, Batttalion Training and Plans Officer (S-3), Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS). Email. (336) 758-5544

Topper

Captain John A. Topper, III, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS). Email. (336) 758-5545

Captain John A. Topper, III, received his direct commission on February 23rd, 2008, and graduated from Adjutant General School on September 5th, 2008. He was recognized and placed on the Commandant’s List for exceeding course standards. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management in 2002, and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership in 2007 from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

Captain Topper enlisted in the Air Force and served on active duty from March, 1988, to January, 1999. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant during this time, and was an Information Systems Computer Operator. He was stationed at HQ Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Hurlburt Field, Florida, for most of his Air Force career. He also spent one year at Lajes Air Base, Azores, Portugal. Captain Topper was a member of the All Air Force Softball and Wrestling Teams from 1991-1994. In 1992, Captain Topper was selected to try out for the Pan-Am Games in Greco-Roman Wrestling at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 2006, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Upon graduating from the Warrior Transition Basic Military Training Course at White Sands, New Mexico, he submitted his packet to receive his Direct Commission.

His military education includes Basic Officer Leadership Course Phase 2, Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Range Safety Officer Course, Commander’s Safety Course, Casual Reporting and Notification Officer Course, and the School of Cadet Command Instructor Training Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Captain Topper’s assignments include: 324th Military Police Battalion, Chambersburg, PA; 410th Military Police Battalion, Fort Meade, MD; Executive Officer, 3/319 Logistics Company (TASS), Lancaster, PA; 825th AG REPL Company, Marion, IL (mobilized); 875th AG REPL Company, Fort Dodge, IA (mobilized).

Captain Topper’s mobilizations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom are: Executive Officer, A Company, CONUS Replacement Center (CRC), Fort Benning, Georgia (June, 2009 to April, 2011). He then served as the Deployment Liason Officer for the Defense Contractor Management Agency from May, 2011 to June, 2012 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Captain Topper was selected into the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program on June 14th, 2012, and is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Wake Forest University.

His military awards and decorations include: Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (2), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with star device), War on Terrorism Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device.

Captain Topper is married to Patrice Topper, He has a daughter, Caley (22), and two step children, Marianna (15) and Rocco (11).

Captain Jason Smedburg, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS). Email

Captain Jason Smedberg received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry from Asbury College and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and a Distinguished Military Graduate in 2002. Captain Smedberg’s military education includes Airborne, Air Movement Officer Course, and the Signal Captains Career Course.

Prior to assuming his current duties as an APMS at Wake Forest University, Captain Smedberg’s previous assignments include: Platoon Leader, C Co. 3rd PSYOP BN, Ft. Bragg, NC; XO of C Co. 112th Signal Battalion, Ft. Bragg, NC; S-6 of 1st BN, 3rd SF Group, Ft. Bragg, NC; and Automations Officer 80th Training Command, Richmond, VA. Captain Smedberg is currently a Reserve Officer assigned to the 4/413th out of Ft. Knox, KY and attached to Wake Forest University.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (4), the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

First Lieutenant David Denninger, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS). Email

First Lieutenant Denninger received his commission after graduating on the dean’s list from Suffolk University in Boston, MA in 2009 with a B.A. in International Affairs. His military education includes Airborne school, Combatives Level 1 Certification, Command Post of the Future (CPOF) Certification, and the Medical Service Corps Officer Basic course where he graduated 1st out of 341 officers. First Lieutenant Denninger is currently studying for his J.D. at the Wake Forest School of Law.

Before joining the Wake Forest ROTC program, First Lieutenant Denninger served from July 2010 – July 2011 as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 1-181 IN, MA ARNG, in Kabul, Afghanistan. While there his platoon conducted more than 150 combat missions including dismounted security patrols, key leader engagements, humanitarian assistance drops, and quick reaction force dispatches.

First Lieutenant Denninger is currently a Reserve Officer assigned to the 4/413th out of Ft. Knox, KY and attached to Wake Forest University.

His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Campaign Star, NATO Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

Master Sergeant Dwayne J. Cordier, Senior Military Instructor (SMI), 339-758-4956, Email

MSG Dwayne J. Cordier enlisted in the Army under the Delayed Entry Program in 1990 and entered Basic Training/Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO on October 23, 1990 and has served as a Bridge Crew Member, Boat Operator, Bridge Crew Chief, Senior Boat Operator, Bridge Demolition Sergeant, Bridge Section Sergeant, Training Drill Sergeant Leader, Senior Drill Sergeant leader, Battalion Operations NCOIC, Platoon Sergeant, Senior Observer Controller/Trainer and Company Operations Sergeant.

MSG Cordier’s assignments include 586th Engineer Company (AFB), Fort Benning, GA, 502nd Engineer Company (AFB), Karlsruhe/Hanau, Germany, Charlie Company, 577th Engineer Battalion, Alpha Company, 35th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, 565th Engineer Battalion (PROV), 38th Engineer Company (MGB), 502nd Engineer Company (MRB), Hanau, Germany, Delta Company,1st Battalion, 361st Regiment (TS)(EN), Fort Carson, CO and for the past 30 months has served as First Sergeant 362nd Engineer Company (MRB), 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Benning, GA.

MSG Cordier has attended numerous military schools and training programs including: Drill Sergeant School, NBC School, Combat Lifesaver Course, Warrior Leader Course (PLDC), Field Sanitation Course, Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, and the Battle Staff Course. MSG Cordier has deployed on numerous combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

MSG Cordier’s awards and decorations include the Deflury Medal (Bronze), Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (1 Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), NATO Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Driver’s Badge/Wheel, German Schutzenschnur (Bronze), Combat Stripe (5).

Jason Pardue, Recruiting Operations Officer (ROO)
Email. 336-758-4546 (o) 803-800-7448 (c)

Jason G. Pardue received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1993. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Kansas State University in 2005. Mr. Pardue’s military education includes Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault, Jumpmaster, and Pathfinder Schools, the Defense Language Institute (Dutch), the Armor Officers Basic and Infantry Officers Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Command and General Staff College.

Prior to assuming his current duties as the Recruiting Officer at Wake Forest University, Mr. Pardue served in the Army and retired as a Lietuenant Colonel. Mr. Pardue’s previous assignments include: Eastern Sector Senior Advisor Saudi Arabian National Guard; Executive Officer, 3-13th IN Battalion, Fort Jackson, S.C. MiTT Team Chief, Iraq, S3/Operations Officer, 1-28th IN Battalion, Fort Riley, K.S. Exchange Officer with the Royal Dutch Army, Commander C Company (The Old Guard), Commander B Company, 1-5 IN, Fort Lewis W.A., Tank Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, Support Platoon Leader and S4 in 3-73 AR Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4), the Army Commendation Medal (2), the Army Achievement Medal (5), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the MFO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Master Parachutist Badge.

Mr. Pardue has been married to his wife, Sherri, for 17 years and they have two wonderful children; Maggie (8) and Wade (5).