ANDREW HARRIS

After the 9/11 attacks on the United States, Andrew found himself in a Marine Corps recruiting office looking to make a difference. The initial goal of 4 years has turned into a career. He is approaching 20 years of service and looking to continue to serve those who have gone before and will follow him. After spending nearly 2 years in combat zones with 1st Marines, and receiving a Purple Heart in Al Anbar Province, Andrew has developed a bond with service members that cannot be broken. With a passion for outdoor life, he looks forward to passing his knowledge and experiences on to the next generation. Andrew’s best experiences after returning from combat have been sitting kneecap-to-kneecap with other Veterans, to share stories and break bread.

Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Andrew Harris enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2001. He graduated from American Military University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. He attended The School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton CA followed by Marine Corps Security Forces School, Chesapeake, VA.

After graduation from Marine Corps Security Forces School, Chesapeake, VA he was assigned to Naval Special Weapons Bangor, WA. He was then assigned as a Close Quarters Battle Team member on the Recapture Tactics Team aboard Bangor.

MGySgt Harris’ next assignment was 1st Battalion 1st Marines Charlie Company, Camp Pendleton. During this assignment, he was assigned as Team Leader. In December 2004 he was deployed on the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support Operation Unified Assistance in Indonesia and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Babil Province Iraq.

Upon his return, he was reassigned as Squad Leader and in January 2006 deployed to Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 5. He served in Al Anbar Province Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return, he was reassigned as the Personal Security Detachment Command (PSD) and Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Commander for Charlie Company and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2007 in Al Anbar Province.

After deployment in 2008 MGySgt Harris attended Basic Recruiter School and was assigned to Recruiting Station Phoenix as a Canvassing Recruiter. In 2009, he was assigned as a Station Command in Recruiting Station Phoenix. He attended Career Recruiters Course and graduated in August 2011 receiving the 8412 Military Occupation Specialty. He is currently serving as the Operations Chief for 6th Marine Corps District.

His personal awards include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 1 Gold Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 Combat Distinguishing Devices and 1Gold Stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 5 devices, Nation Defense Ribbon, and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Andrew is married to Carrie Harris of Pomona, CA. They have three sons: Brayden, Jamison and Callen.