Brigadier General Andrew M. Schuster's military service began in 1965. He was commissioned an Infantry Officer in 1969 following Officer Candidate School. Throughout his career he has served in many capacities in both Infantry and Engineer Branches. Brigadier General Schuster commanded the 64th Rear Area Operations Center and the 264th Engineer Group. He has been responsible for numerous overseas deployment exercises to Germany and Panama as well as Wisconsin's response to natural disasters. Instrumental in the Mobilization and Deployment of Wisconsin Army National Guard units in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm as well as Kosovo, Bosnia, and Humanitarian Service Missions Central America. In addition he has been directly involved in the Wisconsin National Guard programs for At-Risk Youth. | His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal w/ 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Gold hourglass), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (with Numeral 6), Ranger Tab.