Captain Stanford H. Shaw III
Captain Shaw was born in Basking Ridge, NJ, and attended Ridge High School. He was Captain of the varsity lacrosse team and the student government president. After graduating in 2002 he attended the United States Naval Academy.
While at the United States Naval Academy he played club lacrosse and was the 6th Company Commander. He completed his degree in Political Science with a Bachelor of Science and upon graduating in 2006 he accepted a commission as a Marine officer.
Captain Shaw was assigned to Echo Company at The Basic School (TBS) and graduated in January of 2007. Following graduation, he immediately began training at the Infantry Officer Course.
In April 2007 he graduated from IOC as an Infantry Officer and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. In May 2007 he was assigned as the Platoon Commander for 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company. During August of 2007 he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Upon returning from this deployment Capt. Shaw was reassigned as the Weapons Platoon Commander, Alpha Company. He deployed in this capacity to Iraq again in 2009 where he served as both the Weapons Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. Upon returning from OIF he was reassigned as the Weapons Company Executive Officer and later as the Battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer. After completing the Battalion’s pre-deployment training cycle for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit he was reassigned to 3D Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan.
In July 2010, Capt. Shaw was assigned to 4th Marines, 3D Marine Division and soon took command of Headquarters Company, August 2010. The company deployed to Camp Fuji, Japan, for training in October 2010 and again in February 2011, to Thailand in support of Exercise Cobra Gold. In May 2011, he was reassigned to the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa.
In May 2011, Capt Shaw assumed duties and responsibilities as the Operations Officer and Deputy Camp Commander for the Jungle Warfare Training Center. He subsequently attended and graduated from the Malaysian Army Jungle Warfare Operations Course in PULADA, Malaysia. After completing his tour at JWTC, he was reassigned to the Individual Training Course, Marine Special Operations School.
From May 2012 to March 2013 Captain Shaw was a student at ITC and the MARSOC Team Commander’s Course. Upon completion of both schools he was assigned to 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion where he served as a team commander.
Formal Schools attended: The Basic School (TBS), Infantry Officers Course (IOC), Combat Hunter, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course, Malaysian Army Jungle Warfare Operations Course, Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) (distinguished graduate), MARSOC Individual Training Course (ITC), MARSOC Team Commanders Course (MTCC), SERE, and the USMC Combatant Diver Course.
Personal Awards: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon (with two stars).
Master Sergeant Thomas Saunders
Master Sergeant Thomas Saunders served as a team chief for 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Master Sergeant Saunders was born in Bonn, Germany. After graduating High School in Virginia, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended basic training in June of 1999. Following basic training, he attended the School of Infantry as was assigned to 2d Battalion, 6th Marines aboard Camp Lejeune, NC.
While in 2d Battalion, 6th Marines LCpl Saunders deployed twice with aboard the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and participated in OPERATION DYNAMIC RESPONSE in Kosovo, and the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) participating in OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Returning from deployment Sgt Saunders was selected to go to Special Operations Command-Central and then assigned to a special operations task force participating in combat operations in western Iraq for the early portion of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Returning from Iraq, Sgt Saunders returned to 2d Battalion, 6th Marines and then deployed to Okinawa, Japan for 10 months. Sgt Saunders then received orders to 1st Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) in Norfolk, Virginia after attending the Basic Security Guard Course in 2004. While in 1st FAST, Sgt Saunders deployed to NAVEUR, and Iraq in support of contingency operations and held Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations Chief, and Company Gunnery Sergeant Billets.
In December of 2007, Staff Sergeant Saunders was assigned to 2d Battlion, 1st Marines in Camp Pendleton, Calif. While there he held Platoon Sergeant, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, and Platoon Commander billets, and deployed to Iraq in 2009.
In 2010, Gunnery Sergeant Saunders was assigned to the Marine Special Operations Regiment and was designated a critical skills operator after spending eight months as a liason to US Army Special Operations Command. In February of 2011 he was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Command. In September 2013 he was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant where he deployed later that month as team chief.
Master Sergeant Saunders decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, (2) Navy Marine Commedation Medal, (5) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge, and (5) Good Conduct Medals.
Staff Sergeant Marcus Bawol
Staff Sergeant Marcus Bawol served as a critical skills operator 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Staff Sergeant Bawol was born in Detroit, Michigan, and was raised in Warren, Michigan, until the age of 18. He graduated from Warren Mott High School in 2006. Upon completion of High School, Bawol attended Olivet College to play baseball. After his freshman year of college he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19 and attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Upon completion of basic training in October 2007, he attended Marine Combat Training and military occupation school where he became a field radio operator.
In April 2008, then PFC Bawol received orders to his first duty station, Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he was assigned to 2nd Intelligence Battalion, Headquarters Co. During this three year tour he supported the battalion in a number of training exercises and was assigned to C/I Humint Co. He was then deployed with Humint Exploitation Team Four as the team’s communications subject matter expert until April 2009. Sergeant Bawol finished his first tour and attended Assessment & Selection. Upon being selected he re-enlisted with orders to the Individual Training Course.
After graduating ITC in May 2012 Sgt. Bawol became a critical skills operator and received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and was as the team communications chief. Sergeant Bawol deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom as communication chief from October 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company he was prompted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Staff Sergeant Bawol’s decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action and Good Conduct Medal.
Staff Sergeant Trevor P. Blaylock
Staff Sergeant Blaylock was born in Lake Orion, Mich, where he lived until he was 18. He attended Lake Orion High School where he swam on the Varsity Swim Team all four years while maintaining a 3.1 GPA. He joined the Delayed Entry Program after attending Henry Ford Community College for one year and achieving a 3.7 GPA. Shortly after entering the DEP he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina for basic training. Upon completion of basic training in February 2006 he attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. He then attended Basic Light Armored Vehicle Repairman’s School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., for where he was awarded as honor graduate.
In June 2006, Lance Corporal Blaylock received orders to his first duty station at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, where he served as a mechanic. In January 2007 Lance Corporal Blaylock deployed as a scout and mechanic in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province. During his deployment Lance Corporal Blaylock was dual-tasked with being a rifleman in a scout fire team and a mechanic for four light armored vehicles. He returned from his deployment in October 2007 and was placed in 2nd PLT to perform similar duties.
In June 2008, Cpl. Blaylock received orders to Light Armored Vehicle Technicians Course where he underwent his advanced training. In October 2008, Cpl. Blaylock deployed to Sahl Sinjars in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment he was tasked as a scout and mechanic, responsible for the readiness of four LAVs and the duties of a fire team rifleman. Corporal Blaylock returned from his deployment in May 2009 where he was re-assigned as Charlie Company Ramp Chief.
In September 2009, Sgt. Blaylock was given orders to Light Armored Vehicle Training Company, School of Infantry-West, where he was assigned as Red Team Platoon Sergeant. In August 2010, Sgt. Blaylock went to MARSOC Assessment and Selection where he was selected to attend MARSOC Individual Training Course. Sergeant Blaylock attended ITC from August 2011 to May 2012 where upon graduation he was given orders to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion.
In November 2012 Sergeant Blaylock assumed his duties as an element member for 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Sergeant Blaylock deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014 and was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant on June 1, 2014.
Staff Sergeant Blaylock’s decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action ribbon.
Staff Sergeant Liam A. Flynn
Staff Sergeant Liam Flynn served as an assistant element leader with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Staff Sergeant Liam Flynn was born in Reading, England and moved to Queens, New York in July 2002. Liam Flynn enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2006 and graduated basic training from MCRD Parris Island in January 2007. After boot camp Private Flynn attended the School of Infantry and received orders to 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC.
In 2007 Sergeant Flynn deployed with 2nd BN 8th MAR G. Co in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon return Sergeant Flynn attended Infantry Squad Leaders Course and in 2009 deployed as a squad leader in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In April 2010, Sergeant Flynn attended MARSOC Assessment and Selection and upon selection attended the Individual Training Course in June 2010. On Feb 18, 2011, Sergeant Flynn was assigned to 2D Marine Special Operation Battalion, Hotel Company.
While with Hotel Company he deployed to Badghis Province, Afghanistan from January 2012 to September 2012. In November 2012 he graduated airborne school and Joint Armorer Course. In March 2013 he graduated MARSOC Dynamic Entry Level II. On May 1st he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant. Staff Sergeant Flynn graduated Scout Sniper basic course on June 7th 2013 and deployed in support of OEF again from November 2013 to June 2014.
Staff Sergeant Flynn’s decorations include (3) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals with Valor, the Bronze Star with Valor and Combat Action Ribbon.
Staff Sergeant Kerry Michael Kemp
Staff Sergeant Kerry Kemp served as a critical skills operator in 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Kerry Kemp was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived there until the tenth grade. He then moved to Port Washington, Wis., where he graduated from Port Washington High School in 2005. Upon graduating, he worked full time at Cramer Coil and Transformer Company and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In July of 2007 he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. Upon completion of boot camp in October 2007 he attended Marine Combat Training and Military Occupations Specialty School where he became an Artillery Mechanic, MOS 2131.
In March 2008, then meritoriously-promoted Lance Corporal Kemp received orders to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7. Staff Sergeant Kemp was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, with CLB-7 as a machine gunner attached to Motor Transport Company. Upon returning from deployment he was once again meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
In September 2010, Sgt. Kemp attended the MARSOC Assessment & Selection Preparation and Orientation Course (ASPOC) and MARSOC Assessment & Selection Class 01-11 (A&S) and was selected to attend the Individual Training Course. In April 2011 Sgt. Kemp executed orders to Marine Special Operations School, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the Individual Training Course Class 2-11. Sergeant Kemp completed ITC and graduated in May 2012 with Class 3-11.
In May 2012, Sgt. Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Staff Sergeant Kemp’s awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Staff Sergeant Andrew C. Seif
Staff Sergeant Andrew Seif served as an element member for 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Sergeant Seif was born in Fairbanks, Ala. and was raised in Albuquerque, N.M., up until middle school when his family moved to Holland, Mich. Following high school Sergeant Seif enlisted in the Marine Corps in July of 2006. After boot camp he went on to combat engineer school and received the military occupational specialty of 1371.
In February 2007, then PFC Seif received orders to his first duty station, Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion. In February 2008, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning from Iraq, Cpl. Seif requested orders to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion and reported to 29 Palms during February 2009.
In August of 2009 Cpl. Seif attended Assessment and Selection and was selected upon completion. In Oct 2009 Corporal Seif executed orders to Marine Special Operations School and in Sept 2010 Sergeant Seif graduated with Individual Training Course class 2-10.
In Sept of 2010 Sgt. Seif received orders to 2D Marine Special Operation Battalion, Hotel Company where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as an element member. Upon returning form deployment Sgt. Seif was made an element leader of his team.
Sergeant Seif’s decorations include the Silver Star Medal, Combat Action ribbon, Navy And Marine Corps Gold Parachutist Jump Wings, and the Good Conduct medal in lieu of second award.