MADISON – Brian Dinnell entered military service in October 2011 and served in the U.S. Army. He reached the rank of Corporal during his time of duty.

Dinnell completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C. and then pursued Advanced Individual Training or AIT for Automated Logistics at Fort Lee, Va.

Then at Fort Benning, Ga., he completed Airborne School, Ranger Assessment and Selection and then finished training for Ranger School. He also completed the Unit Armorer Course at Fort Benning.

Dinnell’s Permanent Duty Station was with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He served two tours in Afghanistan.

His extensive array of awards includes Combat Action Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medals (two), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, Parachutists Badge and Ranger Tab.

Dinnell was born at Fort Hood, Texas and moved to Madison in 2000. A 2011 graduate of Bob Jones High School, he currently is a senior at the University of Mississippi or ‘Ole Miss’ with a major in geology.

His parents are Jeff and Jean Downs of Madison. Brian has five siblings.

Brian is an active member of Madison American Legion, Post 229. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, working out and outdoor activities. Brian likes the companionship with Thad, his dog that he adopted from a rescue shelter when Brian returned from Afghanistan.