Joseph D CeleskiCOL Joseph D. Celeski (1954-2023) retired from a thirty-year career with the U.S. Army in September, 2004 after successful completion of commanding the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He assumed command of the Group i May 2002 in Afghanistan where he also served as the commander of the Combined and Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) for two tours in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. His published works include articles on Special Forces in Somalia, the use of Special Forces in joint urban combat, and three monographs on Counterinsurgency in the 21st Century (JSOU Press). Colonel Celeski was also a graduate of the Marine Amphibious Warfare Course, the U.S. Air Force Command and General Staff College, and the Army Force Management Course. Colonel Celeski was designated as a Joint Specialty Officer during his career. Among other awards and recognitions, Colonel Celeski was one of the first recipients of the St. Philip Neri awards (Bronze) for his active service in Special Forces. Read More Read Less