Sergeant Major (SGM) Strate V. Flessas is a native of Kelso, Washington and began his military career in January of 1998 attending Army Basic One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and Infantry AIT at the then Fort Benning, Georgia attaining the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 11X (Infantryman). SGM Flessas then attended the Basic Airborne Course and volunteered for the Ranger Indoctrination Program hosted by the 75th Ranger Regiment. Once graduated, SGM Flessas served in 3rd Ranger Battalion completing various courses to include Combat Lifesaver, Ranger First Responder, Boat Operator, Pathfinder, and the Primary Leadership and Development Course to name a few. At the rank of Sergeant/E-5, SGM Flessas left the Army to pursue higher education.

SGM Flessas reenlisted into service following the 9/11 attacks and served with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA where he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGM Flessas fought in various operations and was recommended for three Bronze Stars, one with “V” for Valor during his tenure. After he was wounded during his second tour, SGM Flessas decided to change his Primary Occupational Specialty to become a Career Counselor. Within 6 months of being awarded the Career Counselor Badge, SGM Flessas was named the 2009 Department of the Army Career Counselor of the Year. SGM Flessas then served in various positions across the Army as both a Senior Career Counselor, Operations NCO, and Command Career Counselor. 

SGM Flessas served in numerous duty stations and locations to include; 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, GA; 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; 3rd US Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, Fort Myer, VA; 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; 5th Signal Command, Wiesbaden, Germany; Regional Health Command-Central, Fort Sam Houston, TX; Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, GA; Joint Force National Headquarters, Fort McNair, DC; and Southern European Task Force-Africa, Vicenza, Italy. SGM Flessas’ awards and decorations include the Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5th Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Combat Service Medal (4 Campaign Stars), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award); Meritorious Unit Citation (2nd Award), Valorous Unit Award, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Commendation Medal with “V”, Meritorious Service Medal (5th Award), Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit. SGM Flessas is also authorized to wear the Master Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, German Bronze Parachutist Badge, and the Career Counselor Badge.

SGM Flessas is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy and holds an Associate Degree from Pierce Community College, Tacoma, WA. SGM Flessas is married to the former Cassandra May Bisard and has four children, Shane (18), Sophia (18), Elena (21), and Alexander (25).