Dr. Chico-Lugo's current role as senior operations officer for the 1st Armored Division began in 2021.
EL PASO, TX, October 03, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Rafael E. Chico-Lugo, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Chico-Lugo, a distinguished field artillery officer with the U.S. Army, has dedicated 15 years to his profession, demonstrating exceptional expertise in organizational development and leadership. His career is marked by significant achievements and a steadfast commitment to service, even in the face of adversity.
Dr. Chico-Lugo's current role as senior operations officer for the 1st Armored Division began in 2021. In this capacity, he has been responsible for identifying and forecasting organizational initiatives, ensuring personnel within his division execute projects aligned with these initiatives, overseeing current and future operations and briefing decision makers on progress. Additionally, from 2021 to 2023, he served as chief of targeting for the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (32d AAMDC), where he played a crucial role in strategic planning and execution in Attack Operations where he was principally in charge of creating, training, and deploying a team of targeting analysts to support the targeting objectives of the 32d AAMDC in the Middle East.
From 2020 to 2021, Dr. Chico-Lugo was a student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, further honing his leadership skills. Prior to this, he earned his PhD in organizational development and leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus in 2021. From 2017 to 2020, he was an assistant professor of military science at the University of Cincinnati Army ROTC program with the U.S. Army Cadet Command, where he mentored, trained, and helped commission future Army Officers.
Dr. Chico-Lugo's earlier roles include Battery Commander from 2016 to 2017 and Battalion Fire Direction officer for the 2nd Battalion 3rd Field Artillery from 2015 to 2016. He also completed coursework at the FA Captains Career Course in 2015 and served as an instructor at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School as an Instructor for Common Core from 2014 to 2015. His initial positions included Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery from 2013 to 2014, Assistant Political-Military Officer for U.S. Army South from 2012 to 2013, wounded warrior in transition from 2011 to 2013, Executive Officer for HHC WTB, Fort Sam Houston in 2012, Company Fire Support Officer for Alpha Co. 2nd Battalion 34 Armor during Operation Enduring Freedom XI/XII from 2011 to 2012 and student at the US Army Field Artillery School in Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion 30th Field Artillery in 2010.
Dr. Chico-Lugo's educational background is extensive and impressive. In addition to his PhD, he holds a Master of Arts in International Relations with a Security Policy focus from St. Mary's University, earned in 2013 and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Military Science, Arabic, International Studies, and Psychology from Norfolk State University, earned in 2009. His academic achievements have significantly contributed to his professional success.
Throughout his career, Dr. Chico-Lugo has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Badge, and several Meritorious Service Medals. He is also a member of esteemed organizations such as Rocks Incorporated, the Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association of America, the National Society of Pershing Rifles and the Honorable Order of St. Barbara.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Chico-Lugo is actively involved with civic-minded organizations such as Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the International Rescue Committee. These affiliations reflect his ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
Dr. Chico-Lugo attributes his success to overcoming adversity and personal growth. Despite sustaining a life-altering injury during his first deployment to Afghanistan, he chose to continue serving, demonstrating incredible courage and resilience that he encourages others to also strive for. He credits his resilience and personal development as key factors in his achievements and cherishes every experience as an opportunity for self-improvement. His father's advice to walk into every room with his head held high remains a guiding principle for his life.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Chico-Lugo enjoys exercising and spending time with good friends. As he approaches medical retirement in 2025, he plans to pursue opportunities within the Department of Defense and defense industry that allow him to continue serving in the Army institution and contribute to the nation's defense.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #