Sergeant Major Thomas L. Johnson, Jr.
Sergeant Major, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, MCAS New RiveSergeant Major Wayne L. Allen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1992 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, Private First Class Allen reported to School of Infantry East, where he attended Marine Combat Training (MCT) followed by the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) where he received the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 0311.

In August 1992, Private First Class Allen reported to Marine Corps Barracks Windward, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. During his tour in Cuba, Lance Corporal Allen stood duty as a Sentry, conducted security patrols, and served as Corporal of the guard for fenceline security, and the security of the Haitian camps in support of OPERATION HIATIAN MIGRANT.

In August 1993, Lance Corporal Allen reported to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and served as a Rifleman, Team Leader and Squad Leader for Charlie Company, First Platoon. On 2 March 1994 he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. In November 1994, Corporal Allen deployed in support of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) taking part in OPERATION DENY FLIGHT in the Adriatic Sea.

Corporal Allen reenlisted in January 1996 and made a lateral move to the MOS 7212, Low Altitude Air Defense, and attended MOS school at Fort Bliss, Texas from January 1996 to April 1996 where he received the outstanding leadership award. In April 1996, after successful completion of MOS school, he reported to 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina where he served as a Team Leader, Section Leader, and Platoon Sergeant for Alpha Battery, Second Platoon.

In September 1996 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. At that same time, he served with Marine Air Control Group 28 to provide security for Detachment 9 in support of OPERATION LASER STRIKE in Pucallpa, Peru. From March 1997 to March 1998, Sergeant Allen deployed with the 26th MEU in support of OPERATION RESPONSE 98, in Albania, and OPERATION DETERMINE FALCON 98 in Bosnia.

Sergeant Allen reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, in August 1999. During this tour he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Marital Arts Instructor for Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. In November 2000, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After completing Drill Instructor Duty in January 2003, Staff Sergeant Allen reported to 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion for duties as Platoon Sergeant in Bravo Battery. In March of 2004, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and was assigned as Battery Operation Chief. In February 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Allen deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06. Upon return from OIF, Gunnery Sergeant Allen served the billets of Operation chief and Battery First Sergeant. In February 2007, he was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and received orders to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine.

First Sergeant and reported to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines during May 2007 were he was assigned as the Baker Company First Sergeant. Shortly after arriving to Baker Company the Battalion deployed in support of OIF 6-8. Upon return to CONUS, First Sergeant Allen was reassigned to Weapons Company were he deployed in support of OIF 09.1.

First Sergeant Allen reported to School of Infantry East in February 2010, were he served as Headquarters and Support Company First Sergeant and Combat Instructor School First Sergeant. In May 2012, he was frocked to the rank of Sergeant Major and received orders to HMLA 167, MCAS New River.

Sergeant Major Allen’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ 3 Gold Stars in lieu of fourth award, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.