LAKEWOOD, WA, January 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- John Wayne Troxell, SEAC(R), has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Troxell's distinguished nearly four-decade career is marked by exceptional leadership and dedicated service to the United States Department of Defense. He retired in 2020 as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a role he had held since 2015, advising both the chairman and the Secretary of Defense and representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. In this capacity, he guided the health, welfare, morale and readiness of three million troops, oversaw senior enlisted education across all services and communicated strategic objectives to service members worldwide.
During this period, Mr. Troxell traveled extensively, visiting troops up to 270 days per year. His assignments took him from domestic bases to combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. He worked closely with high-ranking military officials and provided critical insights to the administration regarding force readiness and morale. His efforts included engaging with service members through on-site visits, social media outreach and contributions to key military publications. Mr. Troxell's retirement ceremony at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall was a testament to his influence and legacy, drawing a packed audience and 36 international counterparts.
Prior to his advisory role at the Pentagon, Mr. Troxell served as the senior enlisted leader for all United States forces in Korea from 2013 to 2015 and as the senior enlisted leader for combat forces in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. His earlier assignments included serving as command sergeant major at both the battalion and brigade levels from 2002 to 2008, and as a reconnaissance specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division and the 3rd Infantry Division from 1982 to 2002. His first combat experience occurred during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, followed by participation in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After retiring from active duty in 2020, Mr. Troxell transitioned into several influential roles within both business and leadership development sectors. He became a small-business owner, leveraging his extensive experience to coach leaders across industries. As a leadership coach and consultant with PME Hard Consulting beginning in 2020, he provided strategic guidance on professional military education and organizational development.
Additionally, Mr. Troxell served as an adviser for BeaverFit North America LLC and as a strategic adviser for the University of Health and Performance. His role as brand ambassador for Eyewear Safety Systems further exemplifies his commitment to supporting organizations that prioritize safety and performance.
Mr. Troxell's dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors into significant industry affiliations. He is a national ambassador for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serves as a strategic adviser and consultant for Hiring Our Heroes under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and contributes his expertise as a member of the Senior Enlisted Advisory Council at Arizona State University. He also participates in critical boards at Arizona State University.
Mr. Troxell's academic achievements have played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory. He earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in strategic leadership from Trident University International in Cypress, California, graduating summa cum laude in 2015. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science at Trident University International in 2012.
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Troxell attributes much of his success to exceptional mentorship received throughout his career. Inspired during high school by observing older peers return transformed after military service, he enlisted at age eighteen seeking purpose and direction. The discipline and camaraderie he found propelled him through increasingly responsible positions over nearly four decades of service.
In addition to his operational achievements, Mr. Troxell has contributed significantly to thought leadership within military circles. He authored "Surrender or Die!: Reflections of a Combat Leader," published in 2023, a work reflecting on lessons learned from decades of combat leadership. As a motivational speaker and podcast host for "Leader Talk," he continues to share insights on effective leadership, resilience and personal growth.
Among Mr. Troxell's proudest accomplishments are those related to mentoring young men and women throughout their careers, providing purpose, motivation and direction while assisting them with goal-setting and personal development. Notable personal milestones include completing a combat jump, graduating from Ranger School and serving as a jump master; however, Mr. Troxell emphasizes that making a difference at every level remains his most meaningful achievement.
Born in Springfield, Mr. Troxell values family above all else. Outside his professional commitments, he enjoys running, exercising, practicing yoga, meditating, reading and staying fit. Looking ahead, he is dedicated to supporting military personnel and veterans by promoting financial literacy, purposeful development and goal-setting — helping them secure meaningful employment opportunities while ensuring access to the benefits they deserve. Mr. Troxell also seeks continued growth as a business owner while positively impacting others' lives through mentorship and advocacy efforts.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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