CSM(R) Eric J. Buonopane is a native of Manchester, New Hampshire. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1997 and completed One Station Unit Training (OSUT) as an Infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia.  

CSM(R) Buonopane served in every enlisted leadership position from Fire Team Leader to Brigade Command Sergeant Major. His previous assignments include 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia; 5th Ranger Training Battalion in Dahlonega, Georgia; Regimental Special Troops Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia; The Army Compartmented Element at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; and 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. CSM(R) Buonopane’s final assignment on active duty was serving as the Brigade CSM for the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia. CSM(R) Buonopane deployed 10 times in support of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.  

CSM(R) Buonopane’s military and civilian education includes Airborne School, Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, Pathfinder School, Long Range Surveillance Leadership Course, Sniper School, Regimental Master Breacher Course, Summer Mountain Warfare, Winter Mountain Warfare, Summer Assault Climber Course, all levels of NCOES Courses, the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (JSOFSEA) (Class 22) and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 62). CSM(R) Buonopane holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia.  

CSM(R) Buonopane's awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (4th Award), Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (9th Award), Army Achievement Medal (8th Award), Presidential Unit Citation Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (5 Campaign Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and German Parachutist Badge. He has been inducted into the Order of St. Maurice (Primicerius) and as a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 1st Battalion 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. 

CSM(R) Buonopane retired in July of 2022 and currently serves as a Senior Project Officer with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). 

CSM(R) Buonopane is married to his wife, Malisa, and they have two sons, Samuel and Christian.