MAJ Kelechi Odocha

A native of Columbia, Maryland, Major Kelechi Odocha graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2013, earning a Bachelor of Science in Management. He commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Upon completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IBOLC) at Fort Moore, Georgia, MAJ Odocha was assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, where he served in Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He held leadership roles as a Mechanized Infantry Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, deploying to Camp Casey, Republic of Korea, as part of a Rotational Combined Arms Battalion. Following this deployment, he served as the Battalion S4, leading logistical support operations for the unit's training and deployment to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

After completing the Maneuver Captains Career Course in 2017, MAJ Odocha commanded Delta Company (Heavy Weapons), 2-30 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Johnson, Louisiana.

MAJ Odocha furthered his education at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Master of Business Administration in 2022 with concentrations in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Real Estate. During his MBA studies, he worked as a Summer Associate with Atento Capital, a venture capital firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he conducted due diligence and strategic analysis of early-stage companies. Following his MBA, he returned to West Point, where he served as the Southwest Regional Commander for the U.S. Military Academy Admissions team and directed the Strategic Outreach program, leading national efforts to ensure broad representation from across the country in the applicant pool.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Ranger School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, and Pathfinder School. His badges include the Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.

In his leisure time, MAJ Odocha enjoys flying as a private pilot, working on cars (1985 Mercedes Benz 300 TD), golfing, and traveling.