When Kevin Meisler graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1990, he could never have imagined he would soon have a lifelong relationship with the U.S. Army.

In December, Meisler was promoted to the Brigadier General of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in the Army Reserve, a worthy honor for a man who has served over 25 years in both active and reserve duty.

Looking back on his Lasallian education, it doesn’t surprise Meisler that he ended up serving for as long as he has. Meisler attended La Salle University after graduating from the Academy, so his eight years of Lasallian education truly impacted his life.

“My Lasallian education played a large role building my Catholic values and defining my character,” Meisler said. “It emphasized knowledge and understanding in academic performance as well as emotional and cultural growth. I learned to maintain a healthy quality of life, respect for individuals, inclusion and importance of service.”

He graduated from La Salle in 1994 and was commissioned into active duty just six months later. His first assignment was as a platoon leader in the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, South Korea.

“This was my first assignment leading soldiers and it completely validated my decision to serve,” he said. “I learned the value of listening, the importance of motivating others especially in difficult situations, and setting the example. “

After five years of active duty, Meisler followed the traditional civilian path and transitioned to the Army Reserve. In his 22 years as a member of the Reserve, he has had multiple assignments in the southeast United States, including establishing a new unit in Jacksonville, Florida as the company commander.

He has been deployed to Turkey, Kuwait and Afghanistan during his career in the Reserve. Notably, he led a battalion of 1,100 people that ensured the continuous transportation of more than 70 percent of all cargo deliveries across Afghanistan, completing of over 85,000 ground and 20,000 air missions.

After proving himself in multiple different leadership roles, Meisler assumed command of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) at JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas on December 5.

His command includes more than 6,500 Army Reserve Soldiers throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico.

Unsurprisingly, Meisler’s new unit has devoted much of its effort into the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, the Army mobilized the command to provide logistics support as part of the government’s response to COVID-19 and will continue to do so under Meiser’s direction.

“Our soldiers have been actively involved in supporting military medical teams with logistics as they mobilize to civilian hospitals throughout the country,” Meisler said. “We work daily with our active duty partners to analyze, prepare, and fill emergent requirements. I am extremely proud of our valiant men and women in the 4th ESC and the Army Reserves.”

No matter what his assignment has been, Meisler attributes much of his success to the groundwork that was laid at CBA.

He recognized years later that his time with CBA faculty such as legendary running coach Tom Heath, theology teacher Mr. Greg Higgins, and history teacher Ms. Cathy Carroll impacted his development as a young man.

Meisler participated in varsity indoor and outdoor track during all four years at the Academy, including running and finishing second in the 800 meter event at the Penn Relays.

“The academic, athletic and extracurricular activities I participated in at CBA taught me many valuable lessons that I carry with me today,” he said. “The personal relationships that I developed at CBA with classmates continue today.”