Joseph Keith Kellogg Jr. born May 12, 1944 is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army and a former government official. He served as National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence and held the position of Executive Secretary and Chief of Staff of the U.S. National Security Council during the first Trump administration. Kellogg also briefly served as acting National Security Advisor following the resignation of Michael T. Flynn.
Keith Kellogg Biography 2025
During the Gulf War, from 1990 to 1991, he served as Chief of Staff and Assistant Division Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. Later, he was appointed Commander of Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). In 1996, Kellogg took command of the 82nd Airborne Division and retired from the Army in 2003 as a lieutenant general, having also served as Director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers for U.S. forces under the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Kellogg was at the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001, attacks. After American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, he assumed responsibility for the alternate command post at Raven Rock Mountain Complex alongside Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz.
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Keith Kellogg Biography Details
Born
Joseph Keith Kellogg, Jr.
May 12, 1944 (age 80)
Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
Political party
Republican
Spouse
Paige Kellogg
Children
3
Education
Santa Clara University (BA)
University of Kansas (MS)
United States Army War College
Keith Kellogg Early Life
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Kellogg is the son of Helen (Costello) and Joseph Keith Kellogg. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1961 and later earned a commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Santa Clara University. Kellogg earned a Master of Science in International Affairs from the University of Kansas and later attended the United States Army War College to study senior management and diplomacy.
Kellogg’s military service began during the Vietnam War, where he served with the 101st Airborne Division. After qualifying as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, he worked as a special forces adviser to the Cambodian Army. During this time, he received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with “V” Device, and the Air Medal with “V” Device. Kellogg later commanded the 3rd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division during Operation Just Cause. In 1980, as a lieutenant colonel, Kellogg commanded the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, becoming the first light infantry unit to rotate to the Fort Irwin National Training Center in California’s Mojave Desert.
Keith Kellogg Bio
Category
Details
Full Name
Joseph Keith Kellogg Jr.
Date of Birth
May 12, 1944
Place of Birth
Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
Political Party
Republican
Spouse
Paige Kellogg
Children
3
Military Rank
Lieutenant General
Military Service Overview
Category
Details
Years of Service
1967–2003
Branch
United States Army
Commands
82nd Airborne Division, Special Operations Command Europe
Major Battles
Vietnam War, Operation Just Cause, Gulf War
Awards
Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit
Rank at Retirement
Lieutenant General
Trump Administration Involvement
Position
Dates of Service
National Security Advisor to Vice President
April 27, 2018 – January 20, 2021
Executive Secretary and Chief of Staff, NSC
January 20, 2017 – April 27, 2018
Acting National Security Advisor
February 13, 2017 – February 20, 2017
Post-Retirement Roles
Company
Position
Oracle Corporation
Advisor to Homeland Security Division
Cubic Corporation
Senior Executive
CACI International
Senior Executive
Early Life and Education
Category
Details
High School
Long Beach Polytechnic High School
University
Santa Clara University, University of Kansas
Degree
BA (Santa Clara), MS in International Affairs (University of Kansas)
Military Awards
Award
Description
Silver Star
Awarded for gallantry during the Vietnam War
Bronze Star
Awarded for valor in combat, five times with “V” device
Legion of Merit
Awarded for exceptional service
Air Medal
Awarded for aviation achievement during Vietnam War
Family and Personal Life
Category
Details
Spouse
Paige Kellogg
Children
Three children
Notable Family Members
Mike Kellogg (Judge), Jeff Kellogg (Politician)
Significant Military Campaigns
Campaign
Dates of Service
Vietnam War
1967–1970
Operation Just Cause
1989–1990
Operation Desert Shield/Storm
1990–1991
Trump National Security Policy
Policy Focus
Details
Ukraine
Involved in the Trump-Ukraine scandal and impeachment
January 6 Capitol Attack
Defended Pence’s decision to remain at the Capitol
Awards and Decorations Details
Award
Description
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for exceptionally meritorious service
Defense Superior Service Medal
For outstanding service to the nation
Bronze Star Medal with “V” device
Awarded for valor in combat, five times
Retirement and Business Ventures
Company
Position
CACI International
Senior Executive
Cubic Corporation
Senior Executive
Military Operations Overview
Operation
Date
Vietnam War
1967–1970
Operation Just Cause
1989–1990
Operation Desert Storm
1990–1991
Involvement in Trump Transition Team
Role
Description
Foreign Policy Advisor
Advised Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016
Defense Transition Lead
Led transition team for defense during the presidential transition
Keith Kellogg Net Worth
Information Not Available.
Keith Kellogg Summary
Keith Kellogg’s extensive military career, his leadership roles during significant U.S. conflicts, and his involvement in both the private and public sectors underscore his prominent role in shaping U.S. security policy. His contributions, especially during his time in the Trump administration, played a key role in various national security decisions, while his military service earned him several distinguished awards. After retiring from active duty, Kellogg continued to influence U.S. policy through his work as a senior advisor and through various positions with private sector firms.
