With a promise to work for the “Good of the Order”, James D. Randles was sworn in as National Commander at the 73rd National Convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Springfield, Missouri on August 20, 2005. Randles is the third Patriot to be sworn in as National Commander from the state of Georgia. He established as his motto for the 2005 -2006 term the phrase “NEVER GIVE UP”. As Commander of the august body in front of whom he stood, he expressed that the motto was reflective of his life’s philosophy when ‘taking on rolls with challenges that are larger than me’.

Randles was born and raised in Ashland, Oregon. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation from the University of Nevada with a degree in education. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1987, after 20 years of service. While on active duty, Randles served in various posts around the world but most notably refers to his stint as Troop Commander of G Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. Included in his numerous awards and decorations are a Bronze Star for Valor earned in Vietnam, the Purple Heart, two(2) more Bronze Stars, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three(3) Meritorious Service Medals, three(3) Army Commendation Medals, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Armor Badge.

Randles was evacuated to Madigan Army Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington for treatment of injuries during his Vietnam tour. He ended his Army career at the Readiness Group Atlanta, and he and his wife of 32 years, Jerolyn, decided to remain in the Atlanta area. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Jerolyn Nichole Redstrom who also resides in the Atlanta area.