Colonel Larry Haynes is a native of Hornersville, MO. In Aug 1969, after completing a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy at Arkansas State University, he was commissioned as an Infantry officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He later earned a master’s in Criminal Justice at Wichita State University.
COL Haynes was first assigned to the 8th Infantry Division in Germany, but soon deployed to Vietnam as an Infantry platoon leader with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, an independent infantry brigade that in part formed the largest infantry division in the Vietnam War, the 23d
Infantry “Americal” Division. After 5.5 years (1975), he received a Regular Army Commission and was reassigned to the Military Police (MP) Corps. During his distinguished 30-year career, COL Haynes served in all levels of command from company to brigade. He deployed to Seneca, NY and in support of Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada) and the Bosnian Campaign.
Following completion of U.S. Army War College, COL Haynes commanded the 42d MP Brigade (Mannheim, Germany) and then served as the USAREUR Provost Marshal, responsible for all MP and customs functions in Europe. Prior to his retirement in 1999, he was awarded the Grand
Cross of Distinguished Service of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (pictured top-left), the fourth highest of eight German presidential-level awards. He was advised at that time that the only other American to receive that award was U.S. President George H.W. Bush. COL Haynes’ other awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (3 OLC), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Bronze Star (to a unit cited at the regimental or brigade level), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (1 BSS), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 BSS), Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Staff Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
Following uniformed service, COL Haynes joined the Retired Major General Eugene Cromartie at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), serving for 9 years as a training manager, assisting police departments across the United States and overseas. Following service with the IACP, COL Haynes devoted 10 years to Clothes Less Traveled (CLT), a nonprofit in Peachtree City, GA that supports local families in need. In 2003, he was honored as Volunteer of the Year. COL Haynes also served as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City and was an avid supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, Folds of Honor, and America’s Gold Star Families.
