Sergeant Major, MARINE CORPS INSTALLATIONS EAST

Sergeant Major VanOostrom enlisted into the Marine Corps in October of 1985 and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC in December of that same year. Upon completion of recruit training he reported to NAS Meridian, MS for initial training and follow on assignment as an Aviation Operation Specialist.

In December of 1988, Sergeant Major VanOostrom reported to MCAS Beaufort, SC where he completed multiple deployments with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122.

In September of 1990, Sergeant Major VanOostrom attended Marine Security Guard (MSG) School. He successfully completed tours at the American Embassy in Athens, Greece; and the U. S. Interest Section in Havana, Cuba. Upon completion of MSG Duty in April of 1993, Sergeant Major VanOostrom was transferred to MCAS New River, NC where he served as the Station Operations Chief.

In August of 1995, Sergeant Major VanOostrom attended Recruiters School. He successfully completed a tour of duty assigned to RS Nashville, TN and three years later in August of 1998, he received orders and reported back to North Carolina serving with Marine Aircraft Group 29 as the Group Operations Chief.

In September of 1999, upon his selection to First Sergeant, Sergeant Major VanOostrom transferred to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division. He served as Company First Sergeant for Charlie, Weapons, and Headquarters and Service Companies and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In November of 2003, Sergeant Major VanOostrom was selected to his present rank and in May of 2004 he was transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 located at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan for duty. His subsequent tour as a Sergeant Major was with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at MCAS New River, NC from the period of May 2005 to December of 2005.

In December of 2005, Sergeant Major VanOostrom received orders to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 and during his tour deployed to OIF 06-08. In May of 2008, Sergeant Major VanOostrom reported for duty to Marine Aircraft Group 29.

In August of 2009, Sergeant Major VanOostrom reported for duty to serve as the Sergeant Major for Marine Corps Installations-East.

Sergeant Major VanOostrom's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal w/2 stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/3 stars, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/3 stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon.