LTC Gary M. Skon was born in Wadena, MN on February 19, 1966, and was raised in Pittsville, WI; graduating High School in 1984. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and was commissioned in Field Artillery through the UW-L ROTC program in May 1988.

After being commissioned, LTC Skon was assigned as a Company Fire Support Officer in the 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery (WIARNG). Upon graduating from the Field Artillery Basic Course, LTC Skon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division,
Ft. Riley, KS, where he served as a Battalion Recon Survey Officer, Battery Fire Direction Officer, Howitzer Platoon Leader, and Assistant S3/Targeting Officer. LTC Skon served as a Howitzer Platoon Leader during the Persian Gulf War. Upon completion of his active duty service, LTC Skon transitioned to the 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery (KSARNG), serving as the Battalion Signal Officer. LTC Skon then was reassigned back to the 1-120th FA. Since February 1994, LTC Skon has served the 1-120th FA as Battery Executive Officer, Battalion S2, Battery Commander, Battalion S3, Brigade Fire Support Officer, Battalion Executive Officer and Battalion Commander. While supporting the Global War on Terrorism and
Operation Iraqi Freedom, LTC Skon served as the Battalion Commander of 1-120th FA and SECFOR-South Commander for Area Support Group - Kuwait. During the second mobilization of his Command, LTC Skon served as FOB Mayor in the International Zone (IZ), Baghdad, Iraq.
Since leaving Command, LTC Skon has served with the 75th Training Division as an Observer/Controller/Trainer team chief.

LTC Skon is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Field Artillery Advance and Basic Courses, and Airborne School.

Decorations and badges include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service medal (2), Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service, Medal, South West Asia Service Medal
(with 3 Bronze stars), the Liberation of Kuwait Medal (Kuwait), the Liberation of Kuwait Medal (Saudi Arabia), Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M and Hourglass devices, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Wisconsin Service Ribbon and Parachutist Badge.

In the civilian sector, LTC Skon has worked for the Department of Army as a Civilian Human Resources Specialist at Ft. McCoy, WI, since January 1994. LTC Skon has four children, and resides in Sparta, WI, with Cheryl Jacobsen and her children.