Master Sergeant (MSG) Josh Watkins serves as a competitive angler on the National Professional Fishing League for the US Army Outdoors Team at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
Born in West Frankfort, Illinois, Watkins graduated High School in Coulterville Illinois in 2005 and enlisted in the United States Army as a military police officer (31B). During his military career, MSG Watkins served in three deployments supporting both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has held numerous positions in the ranks including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, Detachment Sergeant, and First Sergeant.
His military schools include Basic Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, Special Reaction Team Course, Total Army Instructor Course, Drill Sergeant School, Master Leader Course, and Commander/First Sergeant Course.
MSG Watkins’ awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (3), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4), NATO Medal, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Drivers badge.