CSM Sampa joined the United States Army on 30 April 1987 and has served in the Army National Guard and the United States Army for more than 30 years. He completed basic training as a Tank Armored Crewman at Fort Knox, Kentucky. CSM Sampa was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major on 8 April 2009. Prior to becoming the Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, CSM Sampa served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Texas Military Department from March 2017 to February 2018. CSM Sampa was previously the Command Sergeant Major for the 36th Infantry Division for more than three years, from December 2013 to March 2017. CSM Sampa has been mobilized for combat duty three times and deployed overseas for combat operations in Bosnia from August 1999 to October 2000, Iraq from July 2004 to August 2006, and Iraq again from July 2009 to November 2010.

CSM Sampa’s military and civilian education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. CSM Sampa is also a graduate of the Texas Highway Patrol Academy.

Command Sergeant Major Sampa has been awarded numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), and the Combat Action Badge.

Command Sergeant Major Sampa has been employed with the Texas Department of Public Safety in the Highway Patrol Division for 23 years in concurrence with his military service. CSM Sampa currently holds his position as a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement State Trooper for the Texas Highway Patrol.

CSM Sampa and his wife of 26 years Carlette have one son (John) and one daughter (Julia).