Region 8 CO - Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Beikirch, USMC
Lieutenant Colonel Beikirch earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida in 1989. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1992 through the OCC program and immediately checked into Fox Company at The Basic School. He subsequently reported aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola for flight training in March 1993 and earned his wings in March 1995.
He joined Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron (VMGRT)-253 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC for initial training in the KC-130 Hercules. After completing his Hercules training in February 1996 he reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR)-252 where he deployed in support of East Coast MEUs and Operations Assured Response, Quick Response, Silver Wake, Guardian Retrieval, Northern Watch, Allied Force and Nobel Anvil. During this tour, he served as the Legal Officer, Powerline Officer, and Flight Duty Officer.
In 1999 he attended the Command and Control Systems Course in Quantico, VA. After graduation in April 2000 he received orders to the Integrated Test Team to perform duties as an Operational Evaluation Pilot for the new KC-130J. During this time he also performed duties as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor with VMGRT-253.
In February 2003 he was re-assigned back to VMGR-252 and deployed in support 24 MEU operations in the Horn of Africa and subsequently with the 26 MEU as they commenced combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom the spring of 2003. In the summer of 2004 he deployed as the KC-130 Detachment Commander in support of the 22 MEU and Task Force Linebacker during Operation Mountain Storm in Afghanistan. During this tour he attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and served as the Assistant Maintenance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer.
Upon his return in August 2004 he was assigned as the first KC-130J instructor at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS)-1 in Yuma, AZ. During his tenure at MAWTS-1 he served as the KC-130 Division Lead and the Academics Department Head. He also served as the MAWTS-1 liaison to the MV-22 community in the refinement of their Tactics, Techniques and Procedures.
From August 2007 until June 2010 he served at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as the Experimentation Branch Chief, Center for Knowledge and Futures. During his tour at USSOCOM, Lieutenant Colonel Beikirch attended Joint Professional Military Education, Phase II.
From August 2007 until June 2010 he served at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as the Experimentation Branch Chief, Center for Knowledge and Futures. During his tour at USSOCOM, Lieutenant Colonel Beikirch attended Joint Professional Military Education, Phase II.
Region 8 - First Sergeant Michael S. Payne, USMC
First Sergeant Payne was born in Pocatello Idaho. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 09 September 1991 and attended Recruit Training in San Diego, California. He was then transferred to Twenty-nine Palms, California for duty with Alpha Company 3d and 1st Tank Battalions as an M1A1 armor crewman.
In 1999 Corporal Payne then attended Marine Corps Cannon Crewman Course, Fort Sill Oklahoma. He was then assigned to India Battery, 3d Battalion 10th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While serving with India and Kilo 3/10, Sergeant Payne deployed with the 26th MEU to the Mediterranean and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While assigned to 10th Marine Regiment Sergeant Payne graduated from Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival Course and Green Belt Martial Arts Instructor Course.
In 2003 Staff Sergeant Payne attended Marine Security Guard Detachment Commanders Course, Quantico, Virginia. He was assigned as the Detachment Commander; Rangoon, Burma. In December 2004, Staff Sergeant Payne was selected for meritorious promotion to Gunnery Sergeant. He was then assigned Detachment Commander Monrovia, Liberia and as activation Detachment Commander, Marine Security Guard Detachment Nouakchott, Mauritania.
In October 2006 Gunnery Sergeant Payne was transferred to Camp Lejeune where he served as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant, Tango Battery, Fifth Battalion 10th Marines. While assigned to Tango Battery 5/10, Gunnery Sergeant Payne deployed to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In July 2008 First Sergeant Payne was transferred to Weapons Company 2/8 for duty as Company First Sergeant. In May 2009 First Sergeant Payne deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan participated in Operation Khanjari in support of International Security Assistance Forces Afghanistan.
His personal awards and decorations include the; Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with One Gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with One Gold star, Combat Action ribbon with One Gold Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Marine Security Guard Ribbon and several unit and service awards.