Sergeant Major Bradley A. Prafke

Sergeant Major, Marine Aircraft Group 29, MCAS New River

Sergeant Major Prafke reported to MCRD San Diego 3rd Bn India Company for recruit training on 7 November 1983. He graduated January 1984 and reported to Camp Johnson, NC for formal school training as a 3521 motor transport diesel mechanic, and was subsequently assigned to 7th Motor Transport Bn Camp Pendleton, Ca. for duty. While assigned there he went on several deployments and was sent back to Camp Johnson, NC for follow on school and picked up the MOS of 3522 3rd & 4th echelon diesel mechanic.

In October 1986 he received orders for Okinawa, Japan. He was assigned to 3rd Maintenance Bn. MTM Company. In November 1987 he received orders to MCLB Barstow, CA and was assigned to repair division, and worked in the welding shop, engine and transmission rebuild sections, and received his Journeymans License as a diesel Mechanic. While assigned there Cpl Prafke attended NCO school at El Toro, CA and was promoted to Sergeant in March 1990.

In February 1992 he received orders to CSSD-21 in Cherry Point, NC. While there he participated in the Intramural and Division rifle and pistol competitions.

In July 1994, Sgt Prafke received orders to DI School at MCRD Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation he attended MCIWS (swim instructor) school and was assigned to 2nd Bn Hotel Company for duty. In December 1995 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. While there he worked five cycles as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.

In December 1996 he received orders to Cherry Point, NC and was assigned to MWCS-28 for duty as the Motor Transport Maintenance Chief. In the spring of 1997 he participated in the Division rifle and pistol competitions at Camp Lejeune and was awarded the 1st Bronze medal for his performance in the rifle competition. He was promoted to GySgt on 1 March 1999.

In July 2000 he received orders to Okinawa for a one year unaccompanied tour, he was assigned to Base Motors, Camp Foster and was assigned duties as the Chief Road Master. While assigned there he participated in the Far East Division Matches and was awarded the 1st Bronze medal for pistol. In 2001 he was reassigned to Cherry Point and assigned as the Squadron GySgt for MTACS-28.

In April 2002 he was frocked to First Sergeant and assigned as the First Sergeant for Bravo Battery 2nd LAAD Bn. In January 2003 he deployed to OIF I and was attached to Task Force Tarawa with RCT-2 in Iraq, and made a second deployment for OIF 04-06 with Provisional Security Bn for duty at Al Asad, Iraq.

Upon selection to Sergeant Major he reported to MWHS-2, II MAW in December 2005 for duty as the Squadron Sergeant Major.

In March 2007 he reported for duty at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as the Squadron Sergeant Major for MALS 36, MAG 36. In May 2009 he reported for duty as the MAG-36 Sergeant Major. While assigned in Okinawa he participated in PHIBLEX-10 in the Philippines and Cobra Gold-10 in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Sergeant Major Prafkes personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal w/one gold star, Navy Commendation Medal w/one gold star, Navy Achievement Medal w/two gold stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon.