Sgt. Christopher Holcombe, PT stud and killin drillin motivator of the AFN Marines, currently serves as the News Director, AFN, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

Sgt. Holcombe was born in Homestead, Fla. on 1 February 1978 to Ensign Stanley Holcombe, USN SEALS and 2nd Lt. Sharon Holcombe, USMC.

After playing the usual "military brat" game of "musical homes," including Japan, Germany, Parris Island, and Quantico, Sgt. Holcombe's family settled in South Carolina.

He graduated from Westside High School and went on to attend Loyola University, New Orleans.

Discovering that college is not for everyone, he decided to find a new path.

His mother's tour of duty as a Series and Company Commander, RTR Parris Island, allowed him to witness the making of Marines and taught him what it takes to be the best.

After careful contemplation, Sgt. Holcombe decided to join the military and (always marching to the beat of a different drummer) to enlist in the Marine Corps in January 1997. He saw Parris Island in a whole new light on 24 February 1997.

Confident in his abilities to become an outstanding Marine and retaining all the skills taught by his drill instructors, he graduated from Platoon 3042, Lima Co, 3rd Bn, MCRD Parris Island on 23 May 1997. Another Crucible Marine. Ooh-rah, Marine Corps!!

He was stationed at 3rd Bn, Parris Island from May 1997 until July 1997 where he worked in 3RAD until his school seat opened up.

By this time, he was ready to "get some" at MCT, learning how to kill or be killed. Sgt. Holcombe graduated from Marine Combat Training, Camp Geiger, NC on 14 August 1997, where he was promoted to PFC.

Anxious to continue his training and excel at his job, Sgt. Holcombe graduated from the Basic Journalist Course, Defense Information School, Fort Meade, MD on 11 November 1997. Four months later, Sgt. Holcombe (affectionately nicknamed "the drill instructor" by the "younger, not-quite-as-salty Marines" at Dinfos) was named Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Basic Broadcaster Course at Dinfos, on 13 March 1997. This earned him a meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal.

Sgt. Holcombe checked into the Public Affairs Office, Marine Forces Reserve on 17 March 1998.

He was named Honor Graduate of Corporals Course 1-99 on 15 January.

Sgt. Holcombe's awards and decorations include: a good conduct medal, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation, 5 certificates of commendation, and MarForRes Headquarters Battalion NCO of the Quarter for Fourth Quarter FY1998, New Orleans Mayor's Military Member of the Year, 1999.

Timeline

24 Feb 1997 Nasty civilan Christopher Holcombe ships to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, SC, to take on the challenge of a lifetime.

20 May 1997 Pvt. Holcombe struts proudly across the parade deck at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. 15 Aug 1997 Pfc. Holcombe graduates from Marine Combat Training, Camp Geiger, N.C., having earned a promotion to private first class. 15 Aug 1997 Pfc. Holcombe ships to the Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md., for formal Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training.

 

13 Nov 1997 Pfc Holcombe graduates from the Basic Journalist Course, Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md.
 

 

2 Dec 1997 Pfc. Holcombe begins training in the Basic Broadcaster Course.
 
 

 
 

13 Mar 1998 Lance Cpl. Holcombe graduates from the Basic Broadcaster Course, Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md., as Distinguished Honor Graduate earning a meritorious promotion to lance corporal.
 
 
 
 

16 Mar 1998 Lance Cpl. Holcombe checks aboard the Public Affairs Office, Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans, La., to serve as a Combat Correspondent.
 
 
 
 

1 Oct 1998 Lance Cpl. Holcombe is promoted to corporal.
 
 
 
 

4 Jan 1999 Cpl. Holcombe enters the Corporals Course in New Orleans.
 
 
 
 

15 Jan 1999 Cpl. Holcombe is named Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Corporals Course.
 
 
 
 

 

21 Jan 2000 Cpl. Holcombe is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his work as a Combat Correspondent, Editor and Media NCOIC at MARFORRES in New Orleans.
 
 
 
 

22 Jan 2000 Cpl. Holcombe is named Military Member of the Year by the New Orleans Mayor.
 
 
 
 


7 Feb 2000 Cpl. Holcombe PCSes to Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, for duty as a broadcaster at the Armed Forces Network Detachment.
 
 
 
 

24 Feb 2000 Cpl Holcombe receives the Good Conduct Medal.
 
 
 
 

1 May 2000 Cpl. Holcombe is promoted to sergeant.
 
 
 
 

2 Oct 2000 Sgt. Holcombe reenlists and extends his tour in Iwakuni.