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1st Battalion, 5th Marines

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1st Battalion, 5th Marines
Sergeant Major

SgtMaj William T. Sowers

Sergeant Major Sowers was born in Virginia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 4 October 1988, and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion, he received training at the School of Infantry, at Camp Geiger where he received the MOS 0352 Anti-Tank Assault man.

Following the School of Infantry, Sergeant Major Sowers reported to Anti-Tank Company, 2d Tank Battalion in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In December 1990, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While there he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal.

In January 1993, Sergeant Major Sowers was reassigned to 4th Marine Regiment. There he served as a section leader for the anti-tank platoon.

In January 1994, Sergeant Major Sowers received orders to 6th Marine Regiment. There he served as the platoon commander for the anti-tank platoon.

In June 1995, Sergeant Major Sowers was reassigned to Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. There he served as a section leader for the combined anti armor platoon. In January 1996, he deployed on the LF6F to the Mediterranean Sea.

In January 1997, Sergeant Major Sowers attended Drill Instructor School Class 2-97 at MCRD Parris Island. Upon graduating as the Honor Graduate, he was assigned to Company G, 2d Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. While there he was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.

In May 2000, Sergeant Major Sowers reported to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. While assigned there he served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Company L. In December 2001, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In July 2003, Sergeant Major Sowers was reassigned to I&I, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment in Akron, Ohio. There he served as the I&I First Sergeant and deployed to Iraq as the Company First Sergeant in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In June 2006, Sergeant Major Sowers was transferred to MCRD San Diego and was assigned to Company E, 2d Recruit Training Battalion where he served as the Company First Sergeant.

In March 2007, Sergeant Major Sowers was promoted to his current rank and assigned to 1st Recruit Training Battalion where he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

In June 2008, Sergeant Major Sowers assumed the duties as the Battalion Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

Sergeant Major Sowers’ personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star in lieu of second award.

Sergeant Major Sowers is married with 3 children.