Biography

Sergeant Major, 1st LAR Battalion
SgtMaj L. J. Lewis

Sergeant Major Lewis is a native of Waterbury, Connecticut. Sergeant Major Lewis enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina, in May 1998 and was assigned to Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. He graduated in August 1998 at the rank of Private First Class, and later attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC. Upon completion of MCT, he was transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to attend Basic Motor Transport Operator Course. He was selected for advancement, and attended the Logistical Vehicle System Course where he earned his primary MOS of 3533, Logistical Vehicle System Operator. In October 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.

In December 1998, he received orders to the 1st Force Service Support Group (FSSG), Camp Pendleton, California for duty with the 1st Transportation Support Battalion (TSB), Bravo Company. In January 1999, he was assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Service Support Group (MSSG), Transportation Support Detachment. In September 1999, he was promoted to the rank Corporal, and deployed to the Western Pacific where he participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and Operation STABILIZE. In August 2001, he deployed with the 15th MEU where he served as a Section Leader and participated in the initial push of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In December 2001, Corporal Lewis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

In October 2002, Sergeant Lewis executed orders to Drill Instructor School at MCRD, Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation, he was assigned for duty with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Company K, and completed two cycles as the junior Drill Instructor and four cycles as the Experienced Drill Instructor.

Upon completing a successful tour, Sergeant Lewis was transferred in February 2006 to 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Combat Logistics Regiment, 1st Combat Logistics Battalion, where he served as Section Leader with Motor Transport Company. In August 2006, he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 05-07. In October 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was transferred to the Provincial Police Transition Team as the Motor Transport Officer and Operations Chief. While deployed in the Al Anbar Province and after several enemy engagements Staff Sergeant Lewis was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for his performance while under hostile fire. In March 2007, he returned from Iraq only to retrain and redeploy in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 07-91 and 07-92. In February 2008, Staff Sergeant Lewis redeployed as a Platoon Sergeant and later served as Assistant Convoy Commander, Convoy Commander, and Remain Behind Element (RBE) Company Gunnery Sergeant for Motor Transport Company. In January 2009, Staff Sergeant Lewis received orders to Corporals Course, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, to serve as Instructor and Chief Instructor. In July 2010, he transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 372, 3d Marine Air Wing, where he served as Motor Transport Licensing Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant.

In September 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and subsequently transferred to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force and served in the RBE Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, Motor Transport Officer, Motor Transport Chief, and Platoon Sergeant billets. In May 2014, he reported to Headquarters Company, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force to serve as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In May 2015, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration through American Military University. In August 2015, Gunnery Sergeant Lewis was transferred to 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group where he served as the senior Motor Transport Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant. In February 2016 he was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and hand selected to serve with III Marine Expeditionary Force, III MEF Headquarters Group, as the Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant. In February 2017, First Sergeant Lewis reported to 3d Intelligence Battalion as the Company First Sergeant for Headquarters and Support Company and subsequently assigned to Intelligence Operations Company in December 2017. In August 2018, First Sergeant Lewis received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, where he served as Communications Company First Sergeant and subsequently assigned as Service Company First Sergeant. In November 2020, he was selected to rank of Sergeant Major and subsequently transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, for duty as the Squadron Sergeant Major. In August 2023, Sergeant Major Lewis reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and assumed his current duties as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Lewis’ personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Drill Instructor Ribbon.

 
1st Marine Division