MAJ Kernaa D. McFarlin, III, a native of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, enlisted in the United States Army on October 18, 1990.  After serving as a cannon crewmember assigned to the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana, MAJ McFarlin enrolled at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  On May 8, 1998, MAJ McFarlin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and earned a commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, Air Defense Artillery.

In May of 1998, MAJ McFarlin attended the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, followed by his first overseas assignment in the 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery (PATRIOT), in Ansbach, Germany.  While assigned to Echo Battery, 6-52 ADA, he served as the Launcher and Fire Control Platoon Leader, Battery Trainer and Battery Executive Officer.  During his service to 6-52 ADA, MAJ McFarlin deployed to Incirlik, Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch and served in the Operations Joint Project: Optic Windmill in Depeel, Netherlands and Juniper Cobra, Israel.

Upon completion of his overseas assignment, MAJ McFarlin attended the Aviation Captain’s Career Course at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, Combined Arms Service Staff School, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, the Air Defense Artillery SHORAD Transition Course, Ft. Bliss, Texas, and the US Army Ranger School, Ft. Benning, Georgia.  In July of 2003, MAJ McFarlin was assigned to the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment as an Assistant Operations Officer. In September 2003, MAJ McFarlin deployed to Iraq with 3-4 ADAR in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In September 2004, MAJ McFarlin completed the US Advanced Airborne School’s Jumpmaster Course, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

MAJ McFarlin commanded Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment from August 2004 to November 2005, leading the ‘Bulls’ through numerous day and night Airborne Operations, Field Training and Operational Readiness Exercises.

MAJ McFarlin’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist and Air Assault Badges and Ranger Tab.