Colonel Barnes was commissioned via ROTC in 1988 and served as a Multi-Launch Rocket System Platoon Leader during Operation “Desert Shield and Desert Storm.” Soon after his return to Fort Hood, he transitioned to the Quartermaster Corps and had an illustrious career spanning over 26 years.  His civilian education includes a Computer Information Systems Degree from Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, Alabama and Master’s Degrees from Central Michigan University and the United States Army War College respectively. 

Colonel Barnes has a superb assignment history starting with his initial logistics assignments as Supply and Service Officer, Support Operations, 71^st Corps Support Battalion, Furth, Germany; Commander, 240^th Quartermaster Supply Company (Direct Support) Nurnberg, Germany; Assistant Brigade S-3, 7^th Corps Support Group,  Bamberg, Germany; Brigade Planner and Supply & Services Officer, Support Operations 101^st Corps Support Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Logistical Task Force Support Operations and Executive Officers during “Operation Enduring Freedom” Bagram, Afghanistan; Joint Logistics Planner, J-3 Headquarters, European Command, Stuttgart, Germany and Commander, 2^nd Battalion, 402^nd Army Field Support Brigade, Balad, Iraq in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom”; Director, Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, Fort Lee, Virginia, where he oversaw the United States Army’s Food Service Program.

His last assignment was Director, Enterprise Systems/TRADOC Capability Manager Sustainment Mission Command, where they provided requirements and capabilities for logistics automation systems such as the Global Combat Support System Army and Battle Command Sustainment Support System for the entire Army.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expedition Medal and Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Army Staff Badge.