Battalion Sergeant Major
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Sergeant Major Awender graduated from Dos Pueblos Sr. High School, Goleta, CA in May 1986. In Dec. 1986, he reported to 1st Recruit Training Battalion MCRD, San Diego. After completing basic training, as the Series Honorman, he was promoted meritoriously to Private First Class and ordered to Naval Air Station Millington, TN. There he completed training in basic electronics and aviation maintenance and was then transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, for further training as a Cryogenics Equipment Operator, MOS 6075.
In Oct 1987, Lance Corporal Awender reported to Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 11 MCAS El Toro, CA. He served as a Collateral Duty Inspector and the Assistant NCOIC for H&MS-11 Cryogenics. While there he completed four Combined Arms Exercises at the MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA and one Operation Bright Star in Egypt. During his tour at MCAS El Toro, he was promoted to Corporal.
