Region 6 CO - LtCol. Matthew Boykin, USMC

Lieutenant Colonel Boykin, a native of North Carolina, enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1988 and attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. He was commissioned in 1991. After attending The Basic School, he was a Commandant’s List graduate of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Officers Basic Course.

He has served in a wide variety of operational, training and staff billets. His most recent assignment was as the head of Special Activities Section, G-3 Operations, Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

He is a graduate of Amphibious Warfare School (with honors), Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and Joint/Combined Warfare School. He is a Joint Qualified Officer.

His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (w/gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Region 6 - 1stSgt JAMES G. DELAO JR, USMC

First Sergeant Delao was born on 13 July, 1970 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He enlisted in the Marine Corps February, 1989. After completing boot camp, he received orders to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton,CA where he served as a student. Upon completion, he was assigned the MOS of 0341 Mortar Man.

In August 1989, First Sergeant Delao attended Marine Corps Security Forces School, at Virginia Beach, VA. Upon completion he was assigned the MOS 8151 Basic Security Guard.

In November 1989 First Sergeant Delao reported to Marine Security Forces Company, Kings Bay, GA, where he served as a basic security guard, where he held the billet of Team Leader and promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In February 1992, First Sergeant Delao was reassigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Divison, Camp Lejeune, NC, where he served as a Mortar Gun Team Leader in Fox Company. First Sergeant Delao was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to Golf Company, Weapons Platoon, as Mortar Section Leader.

In May 1997, First Sergeant Delao received orders to the School of Infantry,ITB, Camp Gieger as a Marine Combat Instructor. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in December 1998, holding the billets of Platoon Commander and then Infantry Tactics Instructor.

In June 2000, First Sergeant Delao received orders to 2nd Fleet Antiterrorist Securtiy Team Company, Yorktown, VA, where he served as Platoon Sergeant and Assistant Operations Chief.

In June 2003, First Sergeant Delao received orders to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Divison, Camp Lejeune, NC, where he served as Platoon Sergeant, Charlie Company. First Sergeant Delao was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in July 2004. Upon his promotion, his billet changed to Company Gunnery Sergeant and he spent his last four months as the Company First Sergeant. Two combat tours where conducted during this assignment.

In February 2006, First Sergeant Delao received orders to Marine Security Guard School, class 3-06 as a student Detachment Commander. Upon graduation on 28 April 2006, First Sergeant Delao recieved his first assignment as a Detachment Commander to the American Embassy, Dublin Ireland, Region 5. His second post assignment was Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, East Africa, Region 6.

In July 2008, First Sergeant Delao was transferred to 3d MLG, Okinawa Japan where he currently serves as the Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Support Company First Sergeant. One combat tour was conducted during this assignment. He reported to Region 6 in June 2010.

First Sergeant Delao’s personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, with 3 gold stars in lieu of 4th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,with 2 gold stars in liew of 3rd award and the Combat Action Ribbon, with 1 gold star in lieu of 2nd award.