MOS 58 Military Police & Corrections
5811 Company Gunnery Sergeant
MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS COMPANY GUNNERY SERGEANT, 2D LAW ENFORCEMENT BATTALION, INFORMATION GROUP, II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, FROM AUGUST 2015 TO OCTOBER 2018. DURING THIS PERIOD, MASTER SERGEANT CHERENA'S TECHNICAL ACUMEN RESULTED IN A HIGH DEMAND FOR HIS CAPABILITIES AND HIS SUBSEQUENT EMPLOYMENT AS A COMPANY GUNNERY SERGEANT FOR EVERY COMPANY IN THE BATTALION. HIS EFFORTS WERE THE DRIVING FORCE ON COORDINATING AND TRACKING THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS TO DEPLOY MORE THAN 100 MARINES IN SUPPORT OF ONE REFUEL/DEFUEL MISSION, ONE MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT, AND TWO BLACK SEA ROTATIONAL FORCES. WHILE ASSIGNED AS THE COMPANY GUNNERY SERGEANT FOR SUPPORT BATTALION, HE PROVIDED ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF MORE THAN 900 MARINES. HE TIRELESSLY WORKED IN COORDINATION WITH II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE INFORMATION GROUP TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO SPECIAL PURPOSE MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE-CRISIS RESPONSE AFRICA AND TASK FORCE SOUTHWEST DURING THEIR PRE-DEPLOYMENT WORKUPS. BY HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PERSEVERANCE, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY, MASTER SERGEANT CHERENA REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Executive Officer, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team
MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FLEET ANTITERRORISM SECURITY TEAM COMPANY PACIFIC, MARINE CORPS SECURITY FORCE REGIMENT FROM JULY 2021 TO AUGUST 2024. CAPTAIN TURNER'S LEADERSHIP, ADAPTABILITY, AND EXPERTISE IN STAFF AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WERE INTEGRAL TO THE OVERALL SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY. CAPTAIN TURNER EXPERTLY MANAGED THE COORDINATION BETWEEN LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS SECTIONS, ENABLING THE EFFICIENT DEPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ACROSS MULTIPLE EVENTS INCLUDING TWENTY-THREE LIVE FIRE EXERCISES, TWO MARINE AIR GROUND TASK FORCE EXERCISES, FOUR COOPERATION AFLOAT READINESS AND TRAINING EXERCISES, ELEVEN AIRCRAFT SECURITY TEAM MISSIONS AND FIVE NUCLEAR BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE PORT VISITS. ADDITIONALLY, CAPTAIN TURNER SERVED AS THE COMPANY COMMANDER FOR A COMBINED PERIOD OF MORE THAN SIX WEEKS WITHOUT INCIDENT. DURING THIS TIME, CAPTAIN TURNER ENSURED THE SEAMLESS EMPLOYMENT OF ALL COMPANY PERSONNEL AND THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF MORE THAN THREE MILLION DOLLARS OF WEAPONS, COMMUNICATIONS GEAR, AND EQUIPMENT. CAPTAIN TURNER'S PERSEVERANCE, INITIATIVE, AND TOTAL DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Detachment NCOIC, Security Company
FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS SQUAD LEADER, PLATOON SERGEANT, DETACHMENT NCOIC, DETACHMENT SECURITY OFFICER, RANGE SAFETY OFFICER, AND NON LETHAL WEAPONS INSTRUCTOR, SECURITY COMPANY, MARINE HELICOPTER SQUADRON ONE, FROM DECEMBER 2022 TO MARCH 2025. SERGEANT MARTINEZ'S EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND DEEP COMMITMENT TO MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN ENHANCING THE OPERATIONAL READINESS OF THE NO-FAIL MISSION OF THE COMPANY AND SQUADRON. DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP WELL BEYOND HIS PAYGRADE, HE EXPERTLY MANAGED THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF 12 MARINES AS A SQUAD LEADER, DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTING TO A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE AND SUSTAINED OPERATIONAL READINESS OVER THE COURSE OF 29 MONTHS. HIS SUPERB PREFORMANCE AS ACTING PLATOON SERGEANT OVER 105 DAYS RESULTED IN SECURING THE OPERATIONAL READINESS OF 2ND PLATOON. AS A RANGE SAFETY OFFICER AND NON LETHAL WEAPONS INSTRCUTOR, SERGEANT MARTINEZ ORCHESTRATED NINE LIVE-FIRE RANGES WITH A FLAWLESS SAFETY RECORD, SAFELY OVERSEEING THE EXPENDITURE OF OVER 22,600 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION. AS A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT, HIS DYNAMIC INSTRUCTION DURING FIVE ACTIVE SHOOTER AND OLEORESIN CAPSICUM TRAINING EVOLUTIONS ENSURED THE SUCCESS OF THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS WHILE SIGNIFICANTLY INCRESING THE SURVIVABILITY AND LETHALITY OF SECURITY COMPANY, SERVING AS A TRUE FORCE MULTIPLIER FOR THE COMPANY. AS A SERGEANT OF THE GUARD, SERGEANT MARTINEZ DISPLAYED UNMATCHED VERSATILITY AND RELIABILITY SERVING OVER 1,200 HOURS IN THIS CRITICAL POST. ADDITIONALLY, SERGEANT MARTINEZ FLAWLESSLY EXECUTED 41 NO-FAIL PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT MISSIONS IN A VARIETY OF CRITICAL BILLETS, INCLUDING SENTRY, DETACHMENT NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER IN CHARGE, AND DETACHMENT SECURITY OFFICER IN BOTH CONUS AND OCONUS ENVIRONMENTS. HIS UNWAVERING VIGILANCE WAS THE BEDROCK OF MARINE HELICOPTER SQUADRON ONE S SECURITY POSTURE. SERGEANT MARTINEZ'S EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL ABILITY, PERSONAL INITIATIVE, AND UNWAVERING DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Operations Chief, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Operations Chief, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, from June 2013 to May 2016. During this period, Master Gunnery Sergeant Vernon demonstrated superior commitment to the operations, training, and combat effectiveness of 1000 Marines conducting law enforcement operations around the globe. Upon his arrival to the battalion, he used his vast Marine Corps experience to create a cohesive operations section comprised of active duty and reserve Marines. He displayed exceptional initiative during the stand-up of the only reserve law enforcement battalion in the Marine Corps, which was deemed fully operations capable ahead of schedule. As the battalion Operations Chief, his superb organizational skills were vital to planning and ensuring the fulfillment of all 4th law enforcement operational requirements. Under his leadership, the battalion operations section was responsible for meticulously planning over 300 monthly and 27 annual training events. His efforts to standardize the battalion’s training and operational processes led to the successful deployment of Marines and Sailors to 14 different joint and international exercises. Master Gunnery Sergeant Vernon's profoundly positive impact on the military police field and the Marines and Sailors of the 4th Law Enforcement Battalion will be evident for years to come. His superior performance of duty during this tour culminates 30 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. Master Gunnery Sergeant Vernon’s exceptional professional ability, initiative and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Squad Leader, Recapture Tactics Team
Professional achievement while serving as Squad Leader, Recapture Tactics Team, Company A, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, from August 2009 to April 2012. During this period, Corporal Andersen distinguished himself by going above and beyond what is expected of a Corporal in the execution of his duties. His initiative, dependability, and tactical and technical expertise were demonstrated time and again both on and off duty. Corporal Andersen's work ethic and drive were instrumental in the unprecedented success of the platoon. His leadership skills and work ethic are summarized by the following noteworthy actions.
-Successfully completed Close Quarter Battle School (CQB) and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). Corporal Andersen was tasked with serving as the squad leader for three high-visibility events, two SWFPAC inspections and a SWFPAC recovery drill. His superior level of knowledge and experience resulted in mission success in each case and caused him to be the focus of a great amount of positive feedback throughout the chain of command.
-Served as acting platoon commander during the U.S. phase of Exercise Tartan Eagle, where he helped train a platoon of British Royal Marine Commandos. His time spent working with the Royal Marines demonstrated his versatility and resourcefulness by operating independently with a foreign military without the aid of platoon commander or platoon sergeant.
-Prepared and gave numerous hours of extensive instruction on Close Quarter Battle tactics, techniques, and procedures. The classes included practical applications such as marksmanship techniques, diversionary device employment, room clearing, designated marksman employment, secure communications procedures, non-combatant handling procedures, mechanical, ballistic, and explosive breaching procedures, medical evacuation, and tactical evacuation procedures. In addition to the more than 9,000 hours of arduous watch he stood, Corporal Andersen gave the majority of these classes on the weekends or after normal duty hours due to the Recapture Tactics Team platoon's heavy work schedule. Due to his relentless dedication, all Marines under his charge graduated from their assigned school and served with success in their assigned billet.
-Served as Primary Point Safety Officer on 27 small arms live-fire ranges conducted at Joint Base Lewis McChord and Yakima Training Center. Approximately 60,500 rounds of 5.56mm, 55,400 rounds of 9mm, 39,000 rounds of SESAMS, 1,910 12-gauge buckshot rounds, 1,600 rounds of 7.62, and 25 fragmentation grenades were expended during these events. All training was successfully conducted in a safe manner due in large part to Corporal Andersen's constant vigilance and excellent planning skills.
-Operated independently as Cadre Leader during multiple RTT Platoon Selections aboard Naval Base Kitsap. During the screenings, Corporal Andersen conducted numerous physical training events, ensuring RTT candidates were pushed to their physical limits in a safe and professional manner.
Training NCO
STAFF SERGEANT WALDEN WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MENTORING AND TRAINING OF MORE THAN 500 AFGHAN UNIFORMED POLICE STUDENTS IN MARKSMANSHIP AND MILITARY TACTICS. HIS DEVOTION TO THE NATO TRAINING MISSION RESULTED IN THE FIELDING OF 470 POLICE OFFICERS WHICH ENHANCED THE ABILITY OF THE AFGHANISTAN GOVERNMENT TO POLICE ITSELF. IN ADDITION TO HIS NORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES, HE TOOK ON ADDITIONAL DUTIES TO AID THE HEADQUARTERS ELEMENT. HE SURVEYED NTM-A TRAINING SITES, COORDINATED WITH JOINT COMMANDS, CONDUCTED SIGAR INSPECTIONS, ASSISTED REGIONAL SUPPORT COMMAND-WEST IN OPERATIONS AND PERFORMED A SECURITY ASSESMENT OF THE JOINT MEDICAL OPERATION CENTER'S FORCE PROTECTION PLAN.
REGIONAL TRIAL INVESTIGATOR
MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS REGIONAL TRIAL INVESTIGATOR, OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL AND INSTALLATION TRIAL OFFICE, HEADQUARTERS BATTALION, MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII FROM MAY 2023 TO MARCH 2026. GUNNERY SERGEANT PINTO DEMONSTRATED EXCEPTIONAL INVESTIGATIVE EXPERTISE, INITIATIVE, AND PROFESSIONALISM IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF THE MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM. BY PROVIDING EXPERT INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANCE ACROSS HUNDREDS OF CRIMINAL CASES, COORDINATING WITH MULTIPLE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND PIONEERING ADVANCED INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES, GUNNERY SERGEANT PINTO ENSURED THE TIMELY, EFFECTIVE, AND SECURE PROSECUTION OF COMPLEX FELONY LEVEL CASES. NOTABLY, GUNNERY SERGEANT PINTO BECAME THE FIRST AGENT IN THE REGION TO DRAFT AND OBTAIN JUDICIAL APPROVAL FOR A GEO-LOCATION WARRANT, RESULTING IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND APPREHENSION OF A CRIMINAL. FURTHER, HE DEVELOPED AND INSTRUCTED A GEO-LOCATION WARRANT TRAINING COURSE FOR NCIS AND CID AGENTS, RESULTING IN ADDITIONAL WARRANTS IN SUPPORT OF INVESTIGATIONS. GUNNERY SERGEANT PINTO'S ENTHUSIASM, PROFESSIONALISM, AND UNWAVERING DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT ON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
On the evening of March 10th, 2006, under the direction of the ICTY, the United Nations, and NATO, (IIET) Leader Sergeant NAME, USMC, did hereby enter into the Hague Prison (Scheveningen Section) and enter the cell of former Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic for the purpose of extracting information. During interrogation, Milosevic revealed to Sergeant NAME the locations of mass grave sites and the names of officers that had penetrated the United Nations, the Red Cross, and refugee camps.