Brig. Gen. (Retired) Samuel Nichols, Jr is a Biloxi, Miss., native who commissioned in 1977 as a military police officer from the MS Army ROTC program. As a student at Mississippi State he received both his bachelor’s and master’s in education. He was also an offensive guard for the MSU football and a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection and member of the 1974 Sun Bowl team, earning his spot in the MSU Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. Nichols also was inducted into the MSU ROTC Hall of Fame.
Prior to becoming the director of the U.S. Veterans Administration's Enterprise Records Service in Washington, D.C., Nichols commanded the 290th Military Police Brigade in Nashville, Tennessee, and was deputy commander for Joint Task Force Guantanamo in Cuba.
Additionally, he commanded the 87th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command (East) in Birmingham, Alabama, Regional Support Group East, and 3d Personnel Command.
Chief DA Secretariat and Selection Board Recorder for the U.S. Army Secretariat for Selection Boards-Reserve Components are among his other leadership roles. Over a more than 36-year military career, Nichols was honored with the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and Army Achievement Medal, among other recognitions while commanding. Nichols is currently enjoying his retirement by spending time with his family.