Sergeant Major Coan is a native of Jamestown, NY. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 and attended Recruit Training at Parris Island, SC. In February 1997, PFC Coan reported to MCSFCo NSB Bangor, WA for duty as a sentry. During this tour he served in every billet from watch stander to Sergeant of the Guard. He was promoted to Corporal in July 1998.
In March 1999, Corporal Coan reported to Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, CA for duty as a squad instructor and was promoted to Sergeant in September 1999. Sergeant Coan ended active service in June 2000.
In May 2001, Sergeant Coan reenlisted and reported to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Camp Pendleton, CA. There he served as the MG Section Leader, Platoon Guide, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander covering two deployments; 31st MEU and OIF II.
In July 2005, Sergeant Coan reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in December 2005 and served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Series Chief Drill Instructor for Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. He was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in January 2008.
In August 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Coan reported to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC. There he served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Company A during the 24th MEU deployment. He was frocked to First Sergeant in February 2011 and served as the Company First Sergeant for Company A during OEF 11.2.
In June 2012, First Sergeant Coan reported to MCRD San Diego where he served as the Company First Sergeant , Company I, Company M, Third Recruit Training Battalion and Company First Sergeant, Receiving Company, Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment.
In January 2015, First Sergeant Coan reported to 1st Law Enforcement Battalion where he served as the Headquarters and Support Company First Segeant.
Sergeant Major Coan was frocked to his present rank in January 2016.
Sergeant Major Coan’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of 4th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star in lieu of 2d award, and the Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star in lieu of 2d award.