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From : curtbenjamin
Added: Sep 16, 2009
The Federated States of Micronesia's longest serving U.S. Marine has retired after 30 years of military service. Marine Sgt. Major O'Neal O. Weilbacher stood at attention during his retirement ceremony this month on Sept. 11, 2009, at Camp Pendleton, California. In attendance at the ceremony were FSM Ambassador to the United States Yosiwo George, Bermin Weilbacher, Kosrae State Gov. Robert Weilbacher, first lady and Oneal's mother, Serlina Olter; his two brothers, a sister, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces currently serving in the U.S. military. Sergeant Major Weilbacher was born on 9 October 1958 in Kolonia Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia. He graduated from Kosrae High School in June of 1977. In September 1977, he moved to the United States and attended Eastern Oregon State College for 1 year. He then enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1979 and shipped to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California on 10 April 1979. He graduated in July 1979 and reported to Infantry Training School, Camp Pendleton, California. He was trained as an 0311, Rifleman. Graduating in August 1979, he received orders for his first duty station to Marine Barracks Guam where he served as sentry and Corporal of the Guard from August 1979 to December of 1980. Sergeant Major Weilbacher next received orders to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines were he served in Bravo Company as a Fire Team Leader. He completed one UDP deployment to Okinawa, Japan and also served as Squad Leader and was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. Shortly after his promotion to Sergeant, he received orders in June 1982 to Marine Barracks Guam, Guard Company where he served as Sergeant of the Guard and Guard Chief. He completed his tour June of 1984 and rotated back to states and served as Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7thMarines. He participated in two UDP deployments to Okinawa, Japan and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in August 1987. In June, 1988, Sergeant Major Weilbacher received orders to School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as Platoon Commander in Bravo Company and later Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion. He was later transferred to Tactics Section where he served as Instructor. In August 1991, he received orders to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and served in Charlie Company as Platoon Sergeant. From September 1992 to April 1994, he served as Battalion Chief Scout, H&S Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Sergeant Major Weilbacher received orders for Recruiter School in April 1994 and after graduation, reported to Recruiting Station San Diego where he served from June 1994 to July 1997. His next assignment was with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines where he served India Company as Weapons Platoon Sergeant and Company Gunnery Sergeant from July 1997 to July 1999. He participated in one WESPAC deployment with the 15th MEU (SOC). He was then transferred to Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment and served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In April, 2000, Sergeant Major Weilbacher was promoted to First Sergeant and was transferred to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. During this tour, he deployed with 15th MEU (SOC) and participated in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan. He deployed again with 13th MEU (SOC) in August 2003 and participated in Operation SWEENEY, Southern Iraq and Horn of Africa. He was promoted to his present rank in July, 2004 and was assigned to Inspector-Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, Houston, Texas. Upon completion of his tour in February 2007, he was assigned as the Regimental Sergeant Major for Combat Logistics Regiment-One where he served through October 2007. He is presently deployed with I MEF (Forward) as the Group Sergeant Major, I MHG, Camp Fallujah, Iraq His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with one gold star).
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