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Military biography

Gunnery Sergeant Kohler enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 28 July 1997, and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, on 23 October with a meritorious promotion to Private First Class.

He was then transferred to Assault Amphibious School Battalion in Camp Pendleton, California, graduated second in his class, and was consequently awarded the 1833 Military Occupational Specialty, Assault Amphibian Vehicle Crewman.

Following graduation, Gunnery Sergeant Kohler was assigned his first duty station at 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California with Charlie Company, Third Platoon. In November of the same year, he was deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in Operation Desert Fox, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Sudden Storm, and Operation Anvil II throughout the Middle East before his return in July 1999.

Later that year, Gunnery Sergeant Kohler was awarded Non Commissioned Officer of the Quarter for Third Assault Amphibian Battalion and received a meritorious promotion to Sergeant. On 7 January 2000, Gunnery Sergeant Kohler won Marine of the Year for 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion.

In August of 2001 he left Camp Pendleton and was transferred to Quantico, Virginia to attend Marine Security Guard School. In addition to receiving the Top Gun award, Gunnery Sergeant Kohler graduated in the top 10% of his class. He was subsequently assigned to duty at American Embassies Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, Brasilia, Brazil and Ottawa, Canada.

Upon his return to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion in November 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Kohler deployed twice to Iraq, once as a combat advisor, attached to 2ndBde 9thBn 3dCo Iraqi Intervention Force in Al Fallujah and Habbaniyah, and also as an improvised infantry squad leader in Al Qa’im, Dulab, and throughout the Al Anbar province. Following his second tour, Gunnery Sergeant Kohler held platoon sergeant billets for Echo Company, 3rd and 4th Platoons (the past and future 15th Marine Expeditionary Units).

In September of 2007 he left Camp Pendleton and was transferred to Parris Island, South Carolina to attend Drill Instructor School. Following graduation Gunnery Sergeant Kohler reported to 3rd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment Parris Island, and is currently serving as a drill instructor with India Company.

His awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars, Combat Action ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon with bronze service star, Good Conduct Medal with two bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon with three bronze service stars, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon with bronze service star, and Marine Security Guard ribbon.