John Palmer

Rear Admiral (Ret) John Palmer is a native of Lexington, Kentucky and a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School holding a Master of Science degree in Systems Management (Acquisition & Contract Management) and the Columbia University Graduate School of Business Senior Executive Program. He is the author of "George Washington's One-Man Army: The Life, Legend, and Battles of Peter Francisco" (Globe Pequot / Stackpole Books 2026) and "From Bluegrass to Blue Water - Lessons In Farm Philosophy and Navy Leadership" (Fidelis Publishing 2022).

The Palmers served over 32 years as a Navy family with the author retiring at the rank of rear admiral. His Navy career included nearly nine years at sea while assigned to four ships. Noteworthy afloat operations included Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Eastern Exit, Sharp Guard, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Joint Task Force Katrina. In addition, he was entrusted with command during three tours leading four units spanning six years. Admiral Palmer also participates in managing two family farms in Kentucky, and he is founder and president of JT Palmer Enterprises, LLC located in Spartanburg.