Lt. Col. John Staeheli graduated with a bachelor’s of science in Biology from the University of Portland and was commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant in 2006. John completed Basic Officer Leadership Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course, and Ranger School prior to his first assignment.
He was first assigned as the platoon leader of 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2-502 IN of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he deployed to Lutifiyah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Following completion of the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, Staeheli served in 1-14IN, 2nd Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he was assigned as the Battalion Logistics Officer (S4) and as the Company Commander for Alpha Company, 1-14IN and deployed to Hawija and Kirkuk, Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.
Staeheli was then assigned to 2nd Ranger Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington where he served as the Battalion Training Officer, Task Force Chief of Operations, Charlie Company Commander, Team Scorpion Commander, and Team Kandahar Commander. Staeheli deployed to Afghanistan five times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Staeheli completed Intermediate Level Education (ILE) requirements at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned his Master’s degree in Defense Analysis and Irregular Warfare. Upon completion of his studies, Staeheli served in Germany as the Squadron Operations Officer for 1-91 CAV, 173rd Airborne Brigade (and later as the Brigade Operations Officer) in Vicenza, Italy.
Staeheli and his family remained in Vicenza, Italy where he served two years as the Secretary of the General Staff and one year as the Chief of Current Operations for the Southern European Task Force, Africa. His awards and decorations are commensurate with his time in service.
Staeheli is married to Sara Eileen Teubner of Portland, Oregon. Sara maintains a professional career as registered nurse. John and Sara married in 2010 and have three children. Daughter - Isla (9 years old), Daughter – Quinn (7 years old), and Son - Luke (4 years old).