Major John E. Pettinelli hails from Providence, Rhode Island. Upon the completing Officer Candidate Course/Platoon Leaders Course Combined Program, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with a degree from Fairfield University in 2003.
Major Pettinelli graduated from the Infantry Officers Course in 2003 and was assigned to 2d Battalion, 2d Marines “WARLORDS” as a rifle platoon commander and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following this tour he was assigned to the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST), Marine Corps Security Force Regiment in 2006, where he served as a platoon commander and deployed in support of the USS CARL VINSON refuel/defuel mission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2010, Major Pettinelli joined 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, where he served as a rifle company command and deployed in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Force (MEU). Major Pettinelli left active duty in 2012.
In 2018, Major Pettinelli joined the Marine Corps Reserve and returned to service with 1st Battalion, 25th Marines as the Operations Officer and participated in an enhanced Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) aboard Twentynine Palms, California. In 2021, Major Pettinelli graduated from Command and Staff College and joined the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia as the Marine Corps Detachment Operations Officer. In June of 2025, Major Pettinelli returned to 25th Marine Regiment, we he currently serves as the Headquarters Company Commander.
As a civilian, Major Pettinelli, operates a small construction management company specializing in commercial construction. He serves on the Board and is the Director of Fundraising for the Fairways for Freedom, which assists assimilating U.S. combat-injured veterans back into society through holistic initiatives and through the game of golf. Major Pettinelli is also heavily involved in the Providence Community, sitting on the Summit Neighborhood Association Board and a local school board as well.
Major Pettinelli’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.