Keith Nightingale

Keith Nightingale was commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in 1965 from Claremont McKenna College. He graduated from Airborne, Jumpmaster, and Ranger Schools and retired as a Colonel in 1993. During that time he commanded four rifle companies, three battalions, and two brigades―all Airborne or Ranger units and some in combat. He served two tours in Vietnam, was part of the Iran Rescue Attempt, an assault force commander in Grenada, and managed the Department of Defense Interagency Counterdrug Task Force for Latin America from Panama―a portion of which was devoted to the capture of Pablo Escobar. He was an original member of Joint Special Operations Command as well as a founding Plankholder for the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974. After retiring from the military, he joined Science Applications International Corporation and as Senior Corporate Vice President, managed over a thousand international contracts and security programs in the Middle East conflict zone, and was responsible for the safety and security of all employees around the world. He presently serves as a consultant and advisor to several government personalities and organizations and conducts leadership seminars for several Fortune 500 companies. Keith annually conducts staff rides for the US and Allied soldiers who attend the Normandy Liberation anniversary ceremonies. He resides in Ojai, California where he grows limes and kills gophers. Col (Ret) Nightingale is a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame and a member of the French Legion of Honor, Officer Class. He has been married for 50+ years to the same lady and has four great kids and six grandchildren-so far.