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Marines


Biography

 

First Sergeant Thomas D Dang
Unit Senior Enlisted Leader
Truck Company, 23D Marine Regiment

First Sergeant Thomas Dang, a native of Glendale, CA joined the Marine Corps in June of 2002. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego on August 30th, 2002. He attended School of Infantry in Camp Pendleton, earning the MOS 0311 (rifleman). 
 
Following School of Infantry, Lance Corporal Dang reported to Golf Company 2d Battalion 23d Marines and volunteered to deploy to Iraq in September 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a team leader with 2d Battalion 24th Marines. After his deployment, he returned back to Golf Company 2d Battalion 23d Marines and was promoted to Corporal in June of 2005 taking on a squad leader billet. In June of 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant and won the battalion super squad competition in July of 2006. In addition, Sergeant Dang earned NCO of the year in 2006 and NCO of the quarter for 4th Marine Division in FY06. 
 
In September of 2007, Sergeant Dang finished his Bachelor's degree in Biology at California State University of Northridge with a minor in Art. Just after his graduation, he volunteered to deploy to Iraq in October 2007 with India Company 3d Battalion 23d Marines where he served as a Platoon Sergeant and initiated the Embedded Partners training over 100 Iraqi police officers in Haditha, Iraq. After returning from Iraq, Sergeant Dang decided to go back to school and further his education in 2009 pursuing a double master's degree in Art and Microbiology. In July of 2010, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and volunteered to participate in Landing Force Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (LFCARAT) in 2011. He filled the billet as a Platoon Commander assisting periods of instructions to Southeast Asian bilateral countries in defensive, offensive, and amphibious operations. After the deployment, he finished his Master's degrees and volunteers to help veterans and veteran families coping with post-traumatic stress. 
 
Staff Sergeant Dang reported back to Golf Company 2d Battalion 23d Marines as the Company Gunnery Sergeant from 2011-2013. He later deployed as a Senior Tactical Advisor for Security Cooperation Team 16.1 Marine Forces South in Central America from 2015-2016 where he instructed four infantry skills courses and two officer development courses. During the deployment, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in June 2016. Returning from the deployment, Gunnery Sergeant Dang was assigned as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion 23d Marines from 2016-2018. 
 
In August 2018, He was hired with the United States Secret Service where he took part in a Cyber Fraud Task Force and the Search and Arrest Warrant Team encompassing areas of responsibilities along the western region. He is currently assigned under the Presidential Protective Division. 
 
In 2019, First Sergeant Dang was promoted to his current rank and reported to Bulk Fuel Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion where he supported two Integrated Training Exercises (ITX), over 10 rotations with 161st Air Refueling Wing, and an activation of over 150 Marines to support the Covid-19 response for recruit intake aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot. In July 2022, First Sergeant Dang reported to Truck Company, 23d Marines for his current and second tour as a company First Sergeant.
 
First Sergeant Dang's personal awards include; Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and (1) gold star, Combat Action Ribbon, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.