Keith L. Craig

Keith L. Craig[1] is an entertainment executive currently working in Burbank, California, at Walt Disney Studios managing Central Division theatrical sales and distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in 20 theatrical demographic market areas, primarily responsible for ensuring the prompt and timely delivery of film to exhibitors and the accurate execution of administrative and logistical oversight required to do so.

Keith Craig
Born (1969-11-29) November 29, 1969
Mobile, Alabama, United States
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1987–2016
Rank Sergeant Major, US Army
AwardsLegion of Merit
Bronze Star(3)
Meritorious Service Medal (2)
Army Commendation Medal (2)
Army Achievement Medal (6)

Prior to his current engagements, Keith Craig served 32 years in the US Army, retiring as a sergeant major. His time in service took him around the world where he served in six combat campaigns, conducted humanitarian and natural disaster operations, played professional football and oversaw the creation of senior enlisted training programs.

Current career

Keith currently manages Central Division sales and distribution for Walt Disney Studios in 20 theatrical demographic market areas, ensuring the prompt and timely delivery of film to exhibitors and the accurate execution of administrative and logistical oversight required to do so.

Major releases worked include Marvel Studio's The Black Panther, Lucasfilm's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as well as Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 and Thor: Ragnarok.

In addition to his primary duties at Disney, Craig is president of the company's diversity resource group Salute, charged with supporting military veterans employed by the studio, helping them integrate, strengthen and grow their careers and provide a sense of community within the organization.

Craig has also recently started La Dolce Vita Entertainment, a firm dedicated to connecting, supporting and facilitating introductory talent from diverse and underrepresented communities in their entertainment careers. He is also the co-owner of the soon to open Granville Restaurant in Pasadena.

Early life

A native of Mobile, Alabama,[2] born to Patricia Dock, he attended Vigor High School and graduated from Choctaw County High School, Butler, Alabama, class of 1987. He entered the United States Army on 21 June 1987.

Military career

Craig is a combat veteran of Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Unified Response, and Operation Enduring Freedom.[1]

Sergeant Major Craig retired after serving his twilight tour as the 12th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the commander and the exchange CEO, of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for Europe and Southwest Asia Region.

The exchange at the time was the 47th largest retail organization in the U.S. with annual revenue of $10B, employing more than 43,000 civilians on military installations throughout the 50 states, five U.S. territories, and more than 30 countries. In Europe, the Middle East, Central and Southwest Asia, the exchange employed an additional 6,500 civilians spread out over 1,100 facilities in 21 countries.

Craig served as the liaison between the exchange leadership and 500,000 soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, DOD civilians, and authorized patrons. Craig was the ambassador of the exchange in Europe & Southwest Asia Region, providing essential support to war fighters, enhancing expeditionary capabilities, and interacting with highest strategic levels within the Department of Defense and the U.S. State Department

In Operation Enduring Freedom,[3] Craig served as Support Operation Sergeant Major for Sustainment Brigade providing direct supply support and Services to American and coalition forces operating in the Afghanistan theater.

During his assignment to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, 7th Special Troop Battalion,[4] he deployed to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Operation Unified Response, in support of multinational humanitarian assistance. Craig coordinated disaster relief efforts with the (United States Agency for International Development) and the World Food Programme to deliver 13,703 tons of rice and provided 17 million prepared meals, to 2.98 million Haitians at the request of the World Food Program. He was recognized for his improving project planning and performance through the coordinated deployment of automated systems and innovative management methodologies.

Craig was chiefly a key liaison between command leadership and on-the-ground operations personnel, and provided direct support and advising to the commander of more than 3,000 active-duty personnel unit. Tasked with ensuring mission sustainment, clean and clear interfacing between primary and support units, overseeing the planning and execution of distribution, support and service operations to field operations.

While assigned to United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas, Craig served as education advisor, small group leader, and operations sergeant major. He was responsible for the planning and execution of administrative and logistical support for 1,700 students, including daily senior advisor training, tasking and scheduling of workforce of 130 individuals, and the assessment and appropriate assignment of personnel based on dynamic individual performance evaluation.

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Craig served as first sergeant in the 302nd Military Intelligence BN, at Camp Anaconda, Iraq and at Camp Doha, Kuwait.

While assigned to Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Camp Pieria, Germany, Craig served as section chief assigned to 3/32nd FA Battalion, served as supply sergeant, which saw him managing administration, security, intelligence, training, tactical operations and logistics as well as $2 billion in organizational equipment, and developed an array of processes and procedures to support implementation of the commander's directives on mission and soldier support.

Other leadership positions held include platoon sergeant, G3 Operations non-commissioned officer for the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) , and Special Troops Battalion S-4, non-commissioned officer in charge.

Deployed as part of a multinational peacekeeping implementation force Kaposvar, Hungary, Operation Joint Endeavor, Craig was assigned to the 3rd Logistic Support Command, Unit Supply NCOIC Brigade S-4 NCOIC, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (United States) Brigade.

Education

Craig has successfully completed:[5]

  • Defense Reutilization Marketing Course
  • Equal Opportunity Leader Course
  • German CSC
  • Primary Leadership Development Course
  • Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course
  • Advance Noncommissioned Officer Course
  • Unit and Organization Supply Course
  • Action Officer Development Course
  • Manager Development Course
  • Maintenance Supervisor Course
  • Unit Movement Officer Course
  • Counter Terrorism Analysis
  • Sergeants Major Course (Class 57)[6]
  • Support Operations Course (Phase I)
  • Support Operations Course (Phase II)
  • Master Logistician Certification by Army Logistics University & Society of Logistics Enterprise
  • Joint Logistics Course
  • Lean Six Sigma-Green Belt Certification.

Craig was also recognized as a logistical engineer by the North Carolina Department of Labor, and earned a Baccalaureate Degree (Psychology) from Excelsior College in Albany, New York.[7]

Awards

SGM Craig has earned 51 awards and decorations.[1] They include:

Legion of Merit
 Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters (Third award)
 Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusters
 Army Commendation Medal with one silver leaf clusters
 Army Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Superior Unit Award
Army Good Conduct Medal Ninth awards
 National Defense Service Medal with two service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
 Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars
 Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
 Armed Forces Service Medal with two service stars
Humanitarian Service Medal
NCO Professional Development with award numeral 4
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 7
NATO Medal

Craig has been recognized as a distinguished member of the Quartermaster Regiment and awarded the coveted Distinguished Order of Saint Martin Medallion as well as the Prestigious Order of Saint Christopher.

Football career

Craig is a former professional football player whose career spanned over a decade. He is a six-time division champion.

Continental Sports Conference

Wiesbaden Flyers In 1989, Craig played for the Wiesbaden Flyers and competed in the USAFE's Continental Sports Conference from 1989-1990 and in 1993. In 1990, while playing for the Wiesbaden flyers he was described as the "premier receiver in the league" by Stars and Stripes (newspaper).[8]

Rheinmain Rockets In 1993, while playing for Rheinmain Rockets, Craig was named Continental Sports Conference All-conference wide receiver, and voted most valuable player of the championship game. He also set conference receiving records with 63 catches for 1,160 yards and 9 touchdowns.[9]

Frankfurt Galaxy

In May 1991, Craig was scouted by John Ralston,[10] who was head coach of the Denver Broncos from 1972 to 1976. From 1991-92, Craig played professional football for the Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe) under head coach Jack Elway and general manager Oliver Luck,[11] former Athletic Director of West Virginia University and father of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and retired NFL quarterback of the Houston Oilers (1982–1986).

Bundesliga

Craig played for several teams including the Aschaffenburg Stallions, Rüsselsheim Razorbacks, and Hanau Hawks, winning two Southern Division Championships with Aschaffenburg Stallions and three with Russelsheim Razorbacks. In 1994, he was the League's leading scorer for the Rüsselsheim Razorbacks. He also played one season in France for the Nancy Tigers.

References
  1. "Military Personnel Records". Archives.gov. 2011-10-19. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  2. "Vital Records - Birth Certificates". Adph.org. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  3. "SGM Keith Craig by Hector Rivera: Biographies & Memoirs | Blurb Books". Blurb.com. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  4. "7th Special Troops Battalion welcomes new command sergeant". Peninsula Warrior. 2010-09-24. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  5. "Tuition Assistance Online, Anytime, Anywhere". GoArmyEd. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  6. "Contact Us". Usasma.bliss.army.mil. 2013-06-24. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  7. "Army Logistics University". Alu.army.mil. 1980-01-01. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  8. "Wiesbaden Flyers". Stars and Stripes. August 2, 1990.
  9. "Wiesbaden Flyers". Stars and Stripes. November 26, 1993.
  10. "WLAF exercises Galaxy contract options". Stars and Stripes. May 30, 1991.
  11. "Galaxy's Craig aims to apply lessons of '91options". Stars and Stripes. November 29, 1991.
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