Lieutenant Colonel Neal Carson Whetsel was commissioned a Quartermaster Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, Class 67-7 Fort Lee, Virginia on 4 May, 1967. His first duty assignment as a Petroleum Supply and Storage Officer, Headquarters, 260th Quartermaster Battalion, Fort Lee, Virginia.

His subsequent duty assignments include: 520th Quartermaster Company, 260th Quarter Master Battalion, Fort Lee, Virginia; 15th Supply and Service Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Republic of Vietnam; Garrison, Camp Shelby, Mississippi; United States Army Reserve School, Knoxville, Tennessee; United States Army Reserve Control Group, St. Louis, Missouri; Individual Mobilization Assignment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; United States Army Reserve School, Nashville, Tennessee; and 125th Army Reserve Command, Nashville, Tennessee. His last duty assignment was served in the Individual Ready Reserve United States Personnel Center, St. Louis, Missouri.

His military education includes: Petroleum Officer Supply Course, United States Third Army Method of Instruction Course, Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, Junior Officer Preventative Maintenance Course, and Command and General Staff College.

His highest military awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Whetsel has served as the Secretary, Treasurer and President of the Tennessee Reserve Officers Association. He is an avid volunteer, member, and trustee of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5154, Knoxville, Tennessee. He volunteers countless hours yearly in support of the Post 5154’s Buddy Poppy drive.