First Sergeant Michael Hengerle is a native of Queens, New York. After graduating High School and two years of Community College on Long Island New York, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps delayed entry program in February 2002 and went to Boot Camp at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina in March 2002 where upon graduation in June he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class.
Upon completion of recruit training, he reported to Marine Combat Training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and attended and completed Field Wiremen School (MOS 0612) aboard Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School (MCCES) Twentynine Palms, CA. Upon graduating he was assigned to Alpha Company 6th Communication Battalion, Amityville, New York where he served as a field wireman and field radio operator.
In January 2003, Lance Corporal Hengerle and the Marines of 6th Communication Battalion were mobilized and served in Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to support I MEF FORWARD during the initial invasion of Iraq. He was assigned as a Field Radio Operator with TASK FORCE TARAWA and was involved in several combat operations throughout Iraq.
In 2004, Lance Corporal Hengerle was mobilized again to Iraq, where he was assigned to BLT 1/3 and MSSG 31 of the 31st MEU as a Field Radio Operator and Communications Section Chief. During this tour in Iraq, he served in Al-Asad Air Base, Ar Ramadi, and Al Fallujah where he participated in Operation Al Fajr (Operation Phantom Fury). In 2005, he returned from Iraq and returned to Alpha Company 6th Communication Battalion where he was promoted to Corporal. In 2006, he attended and graduated Corporals Course and was recognized as the Honor Graduate.
In 2008, Corporal Hengerle served as NCOIC of the Communication Section for an Extended Annual Training COMBINED ENDEAVOR, in Germany a multi-national and Joint Services Annual Exercise. Later on, that year he was promoted to Sergeant and served as a Radio Chief, Range Safety Officer, and Instructor for Quantico Viper a pre-deployment training requirement for Reservists mobilizing, in which he taught basic Communication classes and was in charge of the rifle, pistol, and MOUT ranges. In 2009, he attended and graduated from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor School (MOS 0916).
In 2010, Sergeant Hengerle held various billets in Alpha Company including Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Commander, Company MCMAP Instructor, Training Chief, and Company Gunnery Sergeant. In June of 2012, he was chosen to be an instructor for 4th MLG Corporals Course aboard Fort Dix, New Jersey.
On 1 August of 2012, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and remained the Training Chief for Alpha Company. In July 2013, he attended and completed Marine Corps University EPME Reserve Career Course aboard MCB Quantico VA. Additionally, in August through October 2013 he was selected and activated to serve as the Communications Chief (G6) Marine Forces Europe in support of the Georgian Deployment Program (GDP) Roto-ISAF.
On 1 November 2015, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and served in various positions including Network Chief, Wire Chief, Watch Officer, and Platoon Commander for Direct Support Company, Farmingdale NY. He served as the Chief Instructor and SNOCIC for the Battalion Corporals Course in 2017 and 2018. He attended and completed Marine Corps University EPME Reserve Advanced School aboard MCB Quantico, VA. He was asked to be the Battalion’s Training Chief(S3) and additionally acting First Sergeant, HQ Company in Brooklyn New York. In 2019, he was assigned to Detachment D, Environmental Services Division, HQBN, Marine Forces Reserve, Red Bank, New Jersey where he served as a Weapons of Mass Destruction Hazardous Materials Technician.
On 1 July 2020, First Sergeant Hengerle was frocked to his current rank and assumed duties as the Company First Sergeant of Company E 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Syracuse New York.
First Sergeant Hengerle’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Award with gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous campaign and service awards.
First Sergeant Hengerle has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing his MBA from St. Joseph’s College. He is employed with the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs.