Biography
Sergeant Major, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361
Sergeant Major Damien W. Blaise

Sergeant Major Damien W. Blaise enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 2005. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. He completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina then reported to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California to attend Air Electronics Operator Course. He was subsequently assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 4, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan where he served as an Air Defense Control Electronics Operator.

 

In July of 2008, he was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 24 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served as a member of the active duty training staff. In July of 2009, he deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as a Senior Traffic Director in support of aviation combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.2. In May of 2011, he was assigned to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. In July of 2012, he deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as a Tactical Air Command Center Crew Chief in support of aviation combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 12.2. In September of 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In July of 2014, he deployed to Helmand Province, and Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a Tactical Air Command Center Crew Chief in support of aviation combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 14.2.

 

In January of 2016, he reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, he was assigned to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor. In December of 2016, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. In May of 2018, he was assigned to Drill Instructor School where he served as a Squad Instructor. In July of 2019, he was assigned to Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona where he served as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for the Tactical Operations Center Detachment.

 

In June of 2020, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and subsequently assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines where he served as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Company C. In July of 2020, he supported the El Centro sector during the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-California Border Patrol 20.2 mission. In November of 2021, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit 22.2 Patrol as part of Boat Company for Battalion Landing Team 1/5. In July of 2022, he was assigned to 1st Maintenance Battalion where he served as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Ordnance Maintenance Company and Headquarters & Service Company.

 

In January of 2024, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 where he serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.

 

Sergeant Major Blaise's personal awards include the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award.

 

Sergeant Major Blaise is married to Ashleigh N. Blaise and has one child; Dominic W. Blaise.