Colonel Donn William Venn was commissioned as an Armor Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School class 2-67 at Fort Knox, Kentucky on 10 January, 1967. His first duty assignment was as a Training Officer, Company I, 2nd Training Brigade, Fort Dix, New Jersey.

His subsequent duty assignments were: Platoon Leader, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Vietnam; Civil Affairs Officer, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Vietnam; Commander, Headquarters Company, 118th Field Artillery Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, Savannah Georgia; State Education Officer, Headquarters State Area Command, Georgia Army National Guard, Atlanta, Georgia; Recruiting and Retention Officer, Headquarters State Area Command, Georgia Army National Guard, Atlanta, Georgia; Commander, 1 Squadron, 108th Armored Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, Calhoun, Georgia; and Military Personnel Officer, Headquarters State Area Command, Atlanta, Georgia. His last duty assignment was served as Chief of Staff, Georgia Army National Guard, Headquarters State Area Command, Atlanta, Georgia.

His military education includes: United States Army Civil Affairs Officer Course, Combined Armed Services Staff School, and United States Army Command and General Staff College.

His highest military awards include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Vietnam Campaign Medal