CSM Abel Manrique was born in Dade City, Florida. He enlisted in the Army from the Houston MEPS and accessed into IADT at Fort Sill on 20 October 1994 as a 13B Cannon Crew Member. His first duty assignment was at 1st BN, 6th FA located in Bamberg, Germany and second was at 4th Bn, 42nd FA located at Fort Hood, TX. CSM Manrique was assigned to recruiting duty on 20 April 01. He served as a detailed recruiter for 3 years at the Wichita Falls RS, TX and converted to MOS 79R in 2004.
His leadership positions were, on Production Station Commander for the Altus RS, OK; Limited Production Station Commander for the Lawton East RS, OK; Company Operations Trainer for the Lawton Recruiting Company; Limited Production Station Commander for the OKC Northwest RS, OK; Battalion master trainer for the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion; The nominative position of USAREC Liaison at Fort Benning, GA.; First Sergeant for the Capitol Recruiting Company, Sacramento, CA; Operations Sergeant Major for the Minneapolis Recruiting Battalion.
CSM Manrique graduated from the United States Army Warriors Leaders Course as a Commandant’s list honoree, the Advanced Leaders Course as a Commandant’s list honoree, the Senior Leaders Course, the DA First Sergeant’s Course, and the United States Sergeants Major Academy (Class 69). He also graduated from the Station Commander’s Course, Recruiting Master Trainer Course and Guidance Counselor Operations Course. CSM Manrique has earned a Bachelor of Science dual concentration degree majoring in Business dministration/Marketing from Post University, CT. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Grantham University.
CSM Manrique’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with one silver and one Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Superior Unit Award with two Oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal with three silver knot, National Defense Service Medal with one star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with #5, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal. CSM Manrique was also inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in June 2000 and continues to be a proactive member.