Col. Eric J. Winkie was born in Marengo, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1986 with a bachelor of arts degree in geography and a minor in global studies. While a student at the University of Iowa, Winkie was commissioned an armor officer through ROTC as a part of the early commissioning program.
His military assignments include tank platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion S4, in 2-68 Armor, 8th ID; battalion S3 Air and company commander while assigned to 2-34 Armor, 1st ID; brigade advisor to the Kuwaiti 26th Armored Brigade; battalion and brigade operations officer, 1st Brigade, 4th ID; commander 1/16th Cavalry Fort Knox; inspector general, 1st Cavalry Division; and chief of operations, U.S. Army Europe. Winkie’s deployments include two tours in Germany, Operations Desert Shield/Storm, CENTCOM Kuwait and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Winkie is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College and the Army War College. Winkie holds a master’s degree in operational and strategic planning from the Air Command and Staff College and a master’s in strategic planning from the U.S. Army War College.
Winkie’s awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Award and other awards. He is also a member of The Order of Saint George.
Winkie is married with three children.