Character and integrity are defined by a person’s actions when they are unaware that anyone is watching.
Willie Oden has lived the majority of his life serving others, not at all concerned with being noticed by others. Whether it is through his military service or participation with civic charitable organizations, he has offered his time, encouraging words, and a huge smile in an effort to make even the smallest difference. Service is not a new concept to Oden, and he is ready to make an even bigger difference in Hardin County, Kentucky by seeking the position of Sheriff.
Oden is a 31.5 year veteran of the United States Army, enlisting when he was only the age of 17. A resident of Hardin County for 27 years, he is also an active member of the Elizabethtown Lions Club, serving several officer roles including a consecutive two year term as Lion President from 2023-2025. He was also honored by receiving the Melvin Jones fellowship award. The club’s motto is “we serve.”
A burning desire within Oden compels him to give back to the community he has come to love and claim as his own. “I’ve given to our country,” he says. “I wrote a blank check July 1989 to my country to give everything – up to my life. I would love to give Hardin County the same thing.” Oden is speaking of the vast training and knowledge he has gained throughout his military service as Sergeant Major in the Military Police. “No greater love has a man that he lay down his life for his friends,” paraphrases Oden when calling to mind John 15:13. “If I can give my life to my country, I can give it to Hardin County. I’m willing to give my life to save another.”
Oden has completed 6 tours in his military career. While in Kuwait, he served as the Non-Commissioned Office in charge of the Director of Emergency Services. It is here where he supervised 1,400 soldiers and civilians while managing a budget of $180 million. Fire, police, EMS, and security were all under his leadership. Without hesitation, Oden believes he ran operations well and efficiently. It has been, and continues to be, his policy to remain available and approachable by all. As sheriff of Hardin County, Oden promises to be open to any resident of the county wishing to discuss any and all issues or concerns.
“I have so much to give back to every citizen because I love Hardin County – that is why I stayed.”
Oden’s Military Service At A Glance:
Sergeant Major (SGM) (R) Willie B. Oden is a native of Chocowinity, North Carolina. He entered the United States Army as a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He later reclassified to become a Military Police Officer. During his career he has served as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Section Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Directorate of Emergency Services NCOIC, for the Area Support Group Kuwait, Brigade Chief Instructor and 200th MP Command Senior Training Advisor.
SGM Oden’s assignments include: 27 Main Support BN 1st CAV Div Fort Hood, TX, 64th MP Company 89th MP BDE, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Shafter MP Company, HI, 58th MP Company Schofield BKS, HI, 280th MP Detachment CID Fort Knox, KY, 3/337th Regt 4th Cav BDE, Fort Knox , KY 346th MP Detachment, Nashville, TN 200th Military Police CMD Det 1, Fort Meade, MD, 79th MP Det 4 Rochester, MN Area Support Group, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, DIV 2/100 MP BN Nashville, TN, 2ND MP BDE 102nd TRG DIV, and the 200th Military Police Command.
SGM Oden’s Military education includes Heavy Wheeled Vehicles Mechanics Course, PLDC, Military Police Course, Basic Drug & Alcohol Course, Doppler Traffic Radar Course, Lightening Leaders Training Course, MOUT Training Course, Air Assault Course, Counter Drug Investigation, Instructor Training Course, Army Profession and Ethics Course, Resilience Trainer Assistant, BNCOC, ANCOC, First Sergeants Course, Senior Enlisted Joint Profession Military Education Course, TASS Leader Course, United States Sergeants Major Academy Class# 62. He holds an associate in Applied Science, Administrative/ Management Studies from Excelsior College.
