Colonel Schuster graduated from Winona State University of Winona, Minnesota, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science Degree in Education. He also holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, where he graduated as a Distinguished Graduate with elective studies in Strategic Teaming and Military Acquisitions.

COL Schuster will retire from Active Duty on 1 August 2023. His 35 years of service are highlighted by Battalion Command with 1-393 Brigade Support Battalion, Ft. Hood, Texas as well as three mobilizations, two deployments, and two Company Commands – both in a mobilized status. He began his military service as a light infantry enlisted Soldier and served 8 years with the Minnesota Army National Guard as a rifleman, M60 Machine-gunner, and platoon radiotelephone operator (RTO). He re-enlisted in February 1996 and entered Officer Candidate School (OCS). He was commissioned through OCS and graduated from Ordnance Officer Basic Course - Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

COL Schuster’s final assignment in the military was as Director of Strategic Engagements and Legislative Affairs with the 88th Readiness Division, Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. Other prominent duty assignments include Director, Army Reserve Engagement Cell – U.S. Army Pacific; Battalion Commander 1-393 Brigade Support Battalion; US Army Reserve Command Chief of Operations; and HHC Commander for the 19th Materiel Management Center.

COL Schuster was awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for outstanding leadership. His other military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal x 8, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and others commensurate with his time in service and deployments.