Fred Elam

Major General Fred E. Elam, U.S. Army (Ret.), first Commander of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Regiment and creator of its Regimental Crest, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025, at age 88.
Born in Seminole, Oklahoma, and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he earned degrees from the University of Arkansas, Michigan State University, and the U.S. Naval War College. Over a distinguished 33-year Army career—including two combat tours in Vietnam and service in the Gulf War—General Elam held key command and staff positions. These included Commanding General of the U.S. Army Transportation Center; Chief of Transportation; Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Mission for Aid to Turkey; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, Department of the Army. He assumed command of the newly activated Transportation Corps Regiment in 1986 and was later inducted into the Transportation Corps Hall of Fame.
Following military retirement, he served as Vice President for Operations at Advancia Corp., received its Lifetime Achievement Award, and later founded Elam Consulting & Coaching. His volunteer work included serving with SCORE, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, and the Transportation Corps Regimental Association.
General Elam's awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judy; daughter Jackie Kabat (Dan); son Justin; grandchildren Tucker Kabat (Bridget) and Jenna Birtwell (Dan); and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Army Transportation Museum Foundation. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held at Demain Funeral Home in Springfield Virginia on January 13, 2025. Please visit our website at https://www.demainefunerals.com/ for more details.