Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bruggeman was born in Rome, Italy in 1971 and grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Upon graduation from Walsh Jesuit High School in 1990, he attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in May 1994. He was commissioned that same day as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Upon graduation from The Basic School, Second Lieutenant Bruggeman attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in Ft. Sill, OK where he graduated with distinction in 1995. He was subsequently assigned to the 12th Marine Regiment in Okinawa, Japan from 1995 to 1997. While assigned to 12th Marines, he held the billets of Forward Observer, Guns Platoon Commander, and Battery Fire Direction Officer while part of Lima Battery, 3d Battalion, 12th Marines. He also worked as the Regimental Assistant Operations Officer.

In 1997, First Lieutenant Bruggeman reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola for naval aviation training via the Aviator Fleet Accession Program. He was designated a Naval Aviator in May 1999 and subsequently reported to HMT-303, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, CA for pilot training in the AH-1W Super Cobra.

Upon transferring to Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, NC, Captain Bruggeman served with Marine Light/Attack Squadron-167 (HML/A-167) as the Pilot Training Officer, Airframes Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. From March to September 2001, Captain Bruggeman deployed to the Mediterranean and Croatia onboard the USS KEARSARGE with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-266 (Reinforced) as a part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In 2002, Captain Bruggeman attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-One. In January 2003, he transferred to Marine Light/Attack Squadron-269 and deployed as part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM where he completed 73 combat missions during initial offensive operations into Iraq. Captain Bruggeman returned to HML/A-167 upon re-deployment and from February to June 2004, he deployed with HML/A-167 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II, where he completed 70 combat missions in support of security and stabilization operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Major Bruggeman reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence’s Air and Air Defense Threat Analysis Division (SPEAR) in July 2004. While assigned to SPEAR, he served as the division’s primary worldwide non-state threat analyst with specific emphasis on the man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) threat to rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

In 2007, Major Bruggeman reported once again to HML/A-167 where he served as the squadron’s Logistics Officer and as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2008 and again in 2009. Over both combat tours, he completed over 120 combat missions in support of Multi-National Forces-West. In October of 2009, Major Bruggeman transferred to MAG-29 Headquarters where he served as the Assistant Operations Officer.

In May 2010, Major Bruggeman reported to the Aviation Department of Headquarters, Marine Corps (HQMC)in Washington, D.C. as an action officer. He was promoted to his current rank in August 2010. During his tour at HQMC Aviation, Lieutenant Colonel Bruggeman worked on such issue areas as amphibious shipping integration, the Defense Posture Review Initiative between the governments of Japan and the United States, and the fiscal-year 2011 Aviation Plan. Lieutenant Colonel Bruggeman was a supporting member of the Marine Corps’ Force Structure Review Group from September to December 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Bruggeman has accrued over 2000 hours in military aircraft. He has held every tactical qualification in the AH-1W helicopter and is a qualified Forward Air Controller (FAC). His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal with combat distinguishing device and strike/flight numeral 12, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars and combat distinguishing device, the Navy Achievement Medal, and several campaign/service awards.

Lieutenant Colonel Bruggeman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned a Masters of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School in 2007.