Anthony M. Coston

COL (R) |Commissioned Class of 1989

Colonel (Retired) Tony Coston is a decorated Army logistics officer and a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas Army ROTC program. Commissioned in 1989, he served over 30 years of military service, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, commanding at both the battalion and brigade levels.

Born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Colonel Coston was commissioned through the U of A’s ROTC program while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas in 1990, where he met his wife, Stephanie, also a Razorback graduate. Their children, Cole and Caitlin, are both graduates as well, making the Costons a true Razorback family.

During his career, Colonel Coston held critical command and staff positions, including:

  • Battalion Commander, 4th Infantry Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Afghanistan

  • Brigade Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, supporting 65,000 troops across 9 countries

  • Executive Officer to the G3/4, U.S. Army Materiel Command, overseeing a $57 billion global logistics operation

His operational experience included roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Spartan Shield. He played a key role in opening bases in Iraq during the counter-offensive against ISIS, and he led large-scale logistics support across the Central Command (CENTCOM) AOR.

Colonel Coston’s awards and honors include the Legion of Merit (with 1 oak leaf cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the U.S. Army Quartermaster Hall of Fame.

After retirement, Colonel Coston transitioned to the civilian sector with success. He served as:

  • Director of Government Services, J.B. Hunt Transportation

  • Logistics SME, Booz Allen Hamilton & Horizon Strategies

  • Senior Trainer, Valiant & NATECH

His work helped build strategic logistics capabilities for both U.S. allies and American military forces worldwide.

Colonel Coston remains an engaged Razorback alum, serving as a founding board member and past president of the Armed Forces Alumni Society, a board member for the U of A Army ROTC Alumni Society, and a guest lecturer at the Sam M. Walton College of Business.