We Are Black History 2026: Colonel James E. Stokes (Ret.) | From Lansing to the World Stage | A Chronicle News Community Spotlight
- The Chronicle News
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Trailblazing, historic, and barrier-breaking only begin to describe the military career of Colonel James E. Stokes (Ret.), a Lansing, Michigan native whose service reshaped what leadership looks like in the Michigan Army National Guard.
Over more than three decades in uniform, Colonel Stokes shattered multiple racial ceilings. He commanded in a theater of war and earned historic honors. He led at the company, battalion, and installation levels. He directed critical maintenance, fiscal, and operational systems at the highest levels of government. He represented the United States abroad and mentored generations of soldiers who followed in his footsteps.
As an African American officer in a historically underrepresented space, Colonel Stokes built a record of “firsts” that now reads like a roadmap of progress:
First African American to command a Michigan National Guard unit in combat operations during Desert Shield/Desert Storm
First African American Aide-de-Camp to the Adjutant General of Michigan
First African American Superintendent of the Combined Support Maintenance Shop of Michigan
First African American to command a battalion through two Combat Training Center rotations
First African American selected as Bilateral Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Latvia
First and longest-serving African American senior Colonel in Michigan
First African American appointed United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for Michigan
His leadership did more than open doors. It redefined what was possible for soldiers of color in the Michigan National Guard and set a standard that other states and services now look to emulate.
United States Property and Fiscal Officer
Colonel Stokes served as the 14th United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for Michigan from October 2010 to October 2015. Appointed under Title 32 U.S.C. § 708 and nominated by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, he served as the Title 10 Federal Agent in Michigan.
In this role, he was responsible for receiving, accounting for, and overseeing all federal funds and property issued to the Michigan Army and Air National Guard. His oversight included contracting, auditing, grants, cooperative agreements, small business development, construction, and commercial property management across more than 65 armories and major installations including Fort Custer, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Alpena CRTC, and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.
Colonel Stokes managed and executed the final disposition of a portfolio exceeding $5.5 billion in federal appropriations and resources, directly supporting Michigan’s Army and Air National Guard missions.
International Diplomatic Leadership
From May 2003 to May 2004, Colonel Stokes was selected as the first African American Bilateral Affairs Officer (BAO) for the Michigan Army National Guard, serving at the American Embassy in the Republic of Latvia.
Working with the Department of the Army European Command, the U.S. Department of State, and the State of Michigan, he supported peacetime military activities with the Latvian Armed Forces. As a diplomat and military advisor to the American Ambassador, he assisted in foreign policy development, coordinated embassy operations, and conducted high-level military-to-military engagements.
He served as architect of Operation Summer Shield, where Michigan National Guard forces deployed to Latvia to train Latvian National Guard forces in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also led Civic Leaders Tours connecting Michigan business leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs with Latvian leadership through the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce and the American Embassy Commerce Office.
Battalion Command and Combat Readiness
Colonel Stokes became the first officer to command a Michigan Army National Guard battalion through two Combat Training Center rotations.
As Commander of the 1225th Corps Support Battalion in Detroit from October 1999 to September 2001, he led units through the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. His battalion provided Reception, Staging, and Onward Integration support to over 4,300 soldiers at JRTC and more than 4,800 soldiers at NTC.
Earlier in his career, he commanded the 1073rd Maintenance Company in Greenville, Michigan during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, becoming the first African American officer to command a Michigan National Guard unit in a theater of war.
Under his leadership, the unit earned the first Department of the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal awarded to a Michigan Army National Guard unit, recognizing exceptionally meritorious conduct and superior performance in sustained combat operations.
Maintenance and Operational Leadership
Colonel Stokes served as Superintendent of the Combined Support Maintenance Shop from September 1993 to July 2021, becoming the first African American assigned to the role.
The CSMS serves as a critical maintenance hub responsible for ensuring the Guard’s equipment remains mission-ready. It supports tactical vehicles, combat systems, weapons, communications equipment, and diagnostic systems across the state. The role required deep technical expertise, strong leadership, fiscal oversight, and operational precision.
He also became the first African American Battalion Operations and Training Officer in the Michigan National Guard from November 1983 to November 1986, overseeing battalion training, operational planning, readiness tracking, and execution of mission-critical operations.
Education, Honors, and Service
Colonel Stokes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University. He completed National Security and Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.
His decorations include:
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with seven oak leaf clusters
Multiple Michigan state service medals
In May 2015, the City of Lansing presented him with an official proclamation recognizing his distinguished and honorable military service to his hometown, the State of Michigan, and the United States.
He continues to serve through leadership roles with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. International Headquarters Military and Veteran Affairs Commission; as a Lifetime Member of the Michigan American Legion; Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #701; Board of Directors member for MAN College in Chicago; and National Security Leaders for America.
Through each of these historic assignments, Colonel James E. Stokes (Ret.) reshaped what leadership looks like in the Michigan Army National Guard. His career stands as a guiding example for future generations of young men and women who aspire to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States.
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