RAFAEL C. MONTAGNO
Colonel, United States Army
Colonel Rafael C. "Gino" Montagno was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He received an ROTC scholarship and later graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Saint Leo College with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He also holds a Master's Degree in Aviation Safety and a Master's Degree in Industrial Safety Management, both from Central Missouri State University.
Colonel Montagno was commissioned through ROTC and entered the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer in December 1983. His first assignment was as a medical platoon leader, 560th Medical Company (Ambulance), Korea. Following this assignment, he attended flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 237th Medical Detachment, Fort Ord, California. His duties there included Flight Section Leader, Supply Officer, Operations Officer, and Deployment Commander for a Honduras rotation.
Following his tour in California, Colonel Montagno was sent to the Aviation Officer Advanced Course. He completed the course as an honor graduate and received both the Master Logistician's award and the Master Tactician's award.
Colonel Montagno then took command of Medical Company A, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. After two years, he relinquished command and was assigned as the Operations/Executive Officer to the 68th Medical Detachment (Air Ambulance), Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.
Upon return to the mainland, Colonel Montagno was assigned to the United States Atlantic Command as a Joint Regional Medical Planner, attached to the 5th United States Army, San Antonio, Texas. Here he was selected long term civilian training and upon completion was awarded his graduate degrees.
Colonel Montagno then traveled to Fort Drum, New York, where he assumed command of the 229th Medical Detachment, on the 29th July 1997. One year later the unit was re-designated as the United States Army Air Ambulance Detachment, "Mountain DUSTOFF".
Following command, Colonel Montagno was assigned to Fort Rucker, Alabama, as the Deputy Director of Medevac Proponency. After two years as the Deputy he assumed the role as the Director.
Colonel Montagno then transferred to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, and worked as the Chief, Leader Development Branch, Leader Training Center, AMEDDC&S.
