Command Sergeant Major Welch enlisted in the United States Army in June 1977.  During his 30 year career, he served in various leadership positions; First Cook, Shift Leader, Dining Facility Manager, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Division Food Service Sergeant Major and Division G-4 Sergeant Major; Command Sergeant Major of the 17^th Corps Support Battalion, 23^rd Support Brigade, 19^th Theater Support Command, and the Command Sergeant Major for United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea and 8^th Army;  he concluded his career as the Army G-4 Sergeant Major.   His previous assignments were with the 9^th   Infantry Division, Fort Lewis Washington;  1^st Personnel Command, 21^st Replacement BN, Rhein Main Germany;  ¾ Cav, 25^th Infantry Division, Hawaii, Readiness Group Dix, Fort Dix New Jersey; 416^th Base Support Battalion, Nuremburg Germany,  108^th ADA Brigade, Fort Polk, LA  and  Fort Bliss, Texas; 25^th Infantry Division G4, Schofield Barracks Hawaii; 17^th Corps Support Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; 23^rd Support Brigade, Camp Humphreys, Korea; 19^th Theater Support Command; Camp Henry, Korea; UNC,CFC, USFK, EUSA, Seoul Korea; US Army G4, Pentagon, Washington DC.

His military education includes:  Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC); Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course; Food Service Management Course;  Instructor Course (Distinguished Graduate) Contractors Course (Distinguished Graduate);  First Sergeant Course; Battle Staff Course, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy; Class 48 and the Command Sergeants Major Course. 

CSM Welch also attended Central Texas College where he obtained his Associates degree in general administration.  Accomplishments include the first Food Service CSM to serve at a 4 Star Level Command and the first Army G-4 CSM.  CSM Welch a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Corps, and an honorary inductee into the Audie Murphy Club.  

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (6^th Award), Army Achievement Medal (5^th Award), Defense Service Medal (2^nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Korea Defense Service Medal.