Fred E. Elam

First Commander of the US Army Transportation Corps Regiment Creator of the Transportation Regimental Corps Regimental Crest

Major General Fred E Elam died peacefully at home on November 25, 2025 at the age of 88. His 33- year Army career included service in Vietnam and the first Gulf War. Son of the late Jack Elam and Maye Elam he was born in Seminole, Oklahoma and graduated from the Fayetteville, Arkansas Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas, a Masters degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts degree from the US Naval War College.

General Elam held a variety of important command and staff positions culminating in his July 1990 assignment at the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, Headquarters, Department of the Army. Other key assignments include Chief, Joint U.S.Military Mission for Aid to Turkey (1988-1990), Commanding General, U.S.Army Transportation Center and Commandant, U.S. Army Transportation and Aviation Logistics Schools (1985-1988). He also had the additional duty as Chief of Transportation from 1985-1988. Under the U.S.Army Regimental System, he assumed command of the Transportation Corps Regiment during its activation ceremony at Fort Eustis, VA on 26 July 1986.

General Elam has also served as the Director of Management, Office of the Chief of Staff, United States Army, Washington, DC; Commanding General 19th Support Command, Eight United States Army and Director, Plans, Doctrine and Systems, United States Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command, Alexandria, Virginia.

He had two combat tours in Vietnam where he was a Company Commander in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and later on his second combat tour he was the Division Transportation Officer of the Americal Infantry Division.

His military education included the basic course at the Infantry School, the advanced course at the Transportation School, the Army Command & General Staff College and the Naval War College.

Following his retirement from active duty, he was employed by the Advancia Corp. of Oklahoma City where he was the Vice President for Operations. He is a recipient of the Advancia Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award.

Upon his retirement from the Advancia Corp, he established his own firm, Elam Consulting & Coaching.

General Elam’s voluntary activities included acting as a Mentor for the DC office of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) where his service was recognized with the award of SCORE Chapter One Counselor of the Year in 2000 and a Distinguished Service Award from the National SCORE organization in 2014., He also served as the Vice President of the Sigholtz Capital Chapter of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association,

Honorary Colonel of the US Army Transportation Corps Regiment and President of the US Army Transportation Corps Regimental Association. He was a Commonwealth of Virginia Election Officer

Awards and decorations which Major General Elam received include:

Distinguished Service Medal (with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster); Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Parachutist Badge; Member of the Transportation Corps Hall of Fame; Honorary Colonel of the Transportation Corps Regiment; Distinguished Member of the US Army Transportation Corps Regiment (DMOR); The Ancient Order of Saint Christopher- Order of Transporters.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Judy Teller, his daughter Jackie Kabat and her husband, Dan. His grandchildren Tucker Kabat and his wife Bridget, Jenna (Kabat) Birtwell and her husband Dan. His five greatchildren, Aidan, Quinn, Grace, Skye and Sonny. His son Justin Elam.

Memorial Contributions should be sent to the Army Transportation Museum Foundation, PO Box Drawer D, Fort Eustis, VA. 23604-0320.

More information regarding a memorial gathering at Demaine Funeral Home will be posted on this webpage.

Internment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery .