By Sydney Holder Riverbend News
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John O'Donnell has been a resident of Live Oak for the past 26 years. During this time, he has established himself as a remarkable leader, an honorable man to his country and a loving husband and father.
His military career began in August 2000, when he joined the United States Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant. He began his service as a Physician Assistant for the 7201st Medical Support Unit (MSU) in Gainesville in 2000.
LTC O'Donnell served as the Executive Officer for the 7201st MSU from June 2016 through June 2017, then assumed command of the 7201st MSU from 2018 through 2019.
Having been called up for active duty multiple times during his time in the Army Reserve, LTC O'Donnell was first mobilized to Fort Bragg, N.C., in 2003, as part of the Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) program. He was also mobilized to Fort Bliss, Texas, SRP twice, from 2005 through 2006 and 2010 through 2011.
Education is extremely important to LTC O'Donnell, as he has earned five degrees of different majors and various institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Seton Hall University, with a minor in religion. He also received two Associate's Degrees from Santa Fe Community College; an Associate's Degree in Radiology and an Associate's Degree in Radiation Therapy. LTC O'Donnell continued his education at the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 1997. He sought higher education from the University of Nebraska, earning his Master's Degree in Family Practice while on active duty at Fort Bliss.
His educational accomplishments do not end there LTC O'Donnell is also a graduate of the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course in San Antonio, Texas, as well as a graduate of the Command and General Staff Officer College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
LTC O'Donnell left the 7201st MSU in 2013 to become a CGSC instructor for the 11th Battalion of the 108th Regiment. During his time as an instructor, LTC O'Donnell earned the 5K Identifier in 2015, authorizing him to be a certified instructor of the Army. He also completed the Combat Casualty Care Course (C4) and the Tactical Combat Medical Care Course (TCMC) at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas.
For his diligent service to his country, LTC O'Donnell has received numerous military awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon and Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Gold Hourglass and "M" device).
In his civilian capacity, LTC O'Donnell serves as a Senior Physician Assistant in Lake City, where he has worked for the past 22 years. He specializes in Family Practice, but has expertise in Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics.
He is married to Connie (Maxwell) O'Donnell and has two children, Hannah O'Donnell and John P. O'Donnell Jr.