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Marines


Biography

 

First Sergeant Richard E. Fafinski
Unit Senior Enlisted Leader
CHARLIE CO., 1ST BATTALION, 24TH MARINES

First Sergeant Richard E. Fafinski graduated boot camp in November of 2000. After completing Marine Combat Training in January of 2001, he reported to Pensacola, Florida where he began school as an Aviation Ordnance Technician. After completing Aviation Ordnance Basic School, he traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia to attend Advanced Aviation Ordnance School. After completion of all school house curriculums, he was assigned to VMFA 312 “Checkerboards” in Beaufort, South Carolina as an F/A-18 Aviation Ordnance Technician.

Lance Corporal Fafinski deployed to Zaragoza, Spain as an Aviation Ordnance team member in 2001 for Operation Dynamic Mix in support of NATO operations with the Dutch Army.

Corporal Fafinski deployed in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iron Hammer in 2003-2004. During this deployment, Corporal Fafinski served as the Carrier Air Group Aviation Ordnance team leader aboard the USS Enterprise.

Corporal Fafinski honorably completed his active duty obligation in August 2004.

Corporal Fafinski affiliated with the Marine Corps Reserves in October 2007, reporting to Engineer Company B 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group South Bend, Indiana as a combat engineer. In July 2008 he attended Combat Engineer School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and graduated as the Academic Honor Graduate in August 2008.

After returning from Combat Engineer School, he became 2nd platoon, Platoon Sergeant of Engineer Company B, 6th engineer support battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group South Bend, Indiana.

Sergeant Fafinski served in Mozambique, Africa in support of Operation Shared Accord in 2010 as the Combat Engineer Platoon Sergeant, completing various humanitarian missions.

In September 2012 Staff Sergeant Fafinski deployed with SPMAGTF-CR 13.2 to the United States Embassy Tripoli, Libya in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Jukebox Lotus serving as the security force detachment, Senior Watch Officer.In June 2017 Gunnery Sergeant Fafinski deployed with SPMAGTF-SC17 as the Logistics Combat Element Senior Enlisted Advisor to conduct theatre cooperation operations throughout Central America and HA/DR operations after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

In April 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Fafinski reported for duty as Platoon Commander, 2nd Platoon Engineer Company C, 6th ESB in Peoria, Illinois.

In April 2019 GySgt Fafinski served as the combat engineer SNCOIC for Balikatan 19 Philippines conducting theatre cooperation and bridging operations.

GySgt Fafinski was frocked to the rank of 1stSgt on 15 May 2019 and reported for duty with RFL CO C, 1/24, 4th MARDIV as the Company 1stSgt.

1stSgt Fafinski holds a Certified Arborist Credential from the International Society of Arboriculture. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award.