Jesse Tafoya MEd, MHAP

Education

MHAP - Health Administration and Policy, Uniformed Services University (2021)
MEd - Adult and Continuing Education, Kansas State University (2017)
BS - Biomedical Engineering, University of Idaho (2005)

Biography

LTC Jesse J. Tafoya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Division of Health Services Administration at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Bethesda, MD. LTC Tafoya is an active-duty 70H (Plans, Operations, Security, Intelligence, and Training) for the U.S. Army and currently serves as the Senior Strategic Medical Planner for the U.S. Department of State.

LTC Tafoya has served in positions at all levels within the U.S. Army, from tactical to strategic. These positions were primarily in operationally deployable units, including 39 months deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism, two years commanding an airborne Role 2, and three years in the European theater supporting EUCOM and AFRICOM with the only deployable Role 3. In these assignments, LTC Tafoya has become an expert in incorporating a whole-of-government approach working with interagency partners, non-governmental organizations, and allied partners to plan, prepare, and execute deliberate and hasty medical concepts of support. Outside of operational units, LTC Tafoya served as an Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and Great Plains Regional Medical Command and as the Chief of Security, Plans, and Operations at BAMC. In these roles, LTC Tafoya was a vital member of teams planning for and executing several strategic-level operations within the U.S. Military as well as with the City of San Antonio and the State of Texas. LTC Tafoya also has a secondary military occupational specialty as a 90A, Logistics Officer.

LTC Tafoya's military schools include the Army Medical Department's (AMEDD) Officer Basic Course, AMEDD Officer Advance Course, Resident Intermediate Level Education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Red Team Member at the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies, and the U.S. Army Airborne School.

LTC Tafoya's awards include the Bronze Star, MSM (3OLC), ARCOM (3OLC), AAM (1OLC), DoS Superior Honor Award, DoS Meritorious Honor Award, Senior Parachutist Badge.

Career Highlights: Positions, Projects, Deployements, Awards and Additional Publications

Senior Strategic Medical Planner, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC (2022 to present)

Chief of Security and Operations, 212th Combat Support Hospital, Kaiserslautern, Germany (2017-2020)

Battalion Operations Officer, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC (2013-2016)

Company Commander, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC (2012-2013)

Medical Plans and Operations Officer, U.S. Army Central Command, Kuwait (2010-2011)

Chief of Security, Plans, and Operations, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX (2009-2010)

Aid-de-Camp, Brooke Army Medical Center and Great Plains Regional Medical Command, San Antonio, TX (2008-2009)

Medical Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas (2005-2008)

Deployments to Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve, Iraq