William A. Matheny, Jr.

Colonel William “Bill” Matheny, a native of Denmark, SC, was commissioned as an engineer officer in August 2000 upon graduation from Clemson University. During his 24 years of service, COL Matheny has served in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States Army and South Carolina Army National Guard and currently commands the 117th Engineer Brigade. Prior to this assignment, COL Matheny held previous command assignments including the 122nd Engineer Battalion; Company A, 122nd Engineer Battalion; and 124th Engineer Company. His key staff assignments include Director of Strategic Plans and Programs, J5, South Carolina National Guard; Chief of Engineer Plans and Exercises, U.S. Army Europe; Operations Officer and later Executive Officer, 122nd Engineer Battalion; and Assistant Professor of Military Leadership and Battalion Operations Officer for the Fightin’ Tiger Battalion, Clemson University Army ROTC. His initial assignment was with the 10th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA from 2001-2005 where he served as platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion maintenance officer. COL Matheny’s operational assignments include deployment in support of Operation Desert Fox and Operation Iraqi Freedom I (2002-2003), Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan (2013), and various locations in Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve (2015-2018). COL Matheny holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design from Clemson University, a Master of Business Administration from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Matheny is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, the Joint Engineer Operations Course, the National Security Course, the Defense Strategy Course, and the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses. He is a certified Project Management Professional and an active member of multiple professional, societal, and religious organizations. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He has also been awarded the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal. COL Matheny is married to the former Michelle Bensman of Dayton, Ohio. They have been blessed with three daughters, Adele, Ella, and Clara.