MSgt Nicholas N. San Nicolas
Master Sergeant Sannicolas graduated from boot camp at Parris Island, SC, on October 17, 1997, after graduating from MCT and MOS school at Fort Sill, OK, with MOS 0811, he received orders to 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton, Ca. Within a few months of arrival, he was deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/4 ,15th Marine Expedition Unit in March 1999 as a Cannoneer, Artilleryman and participated in Operation Maritime Intercept, Persian Gulf. He was then promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2000.
In November 2002 Master Sergeant Sannicolas served as a Section Chief in Operation Enduring Freedom, 5th Fleet AOR. Soon after he then participated in in Operation Anaconda serving as team leader of non-lethal exercise where he assisted in the training of over 200 Kenya, Africa Soldiers.
In January 2003 Master Sergeant Sannicolas participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, Kuwait where he served as an artillery cannoneer section chief and also trained alongside the elite Thailand Marine personnel. Master Sergeant Sannicolas was also promoted to the rank of Sergeant on September 1, 2003. Soon after Master Sergeant Sannicolas attended Sergeants Course at the Enlisted University Academy, Camp Pendleton.
From March 2003 to July 2003 Master Sergeant Sannicolas served in Combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom earning himself the Combat Action Ribbon. Master Sergeant Sannicolas led his Marines through the 1st Marine Division push to Bahgdad from Kuwait where they ended up taking over Saddam Husseins hometown in Tukrit, Kuwait.
After returning from Combat, Master Sergeant Sannicolas was hand selected to instruct at the Artillery Training School, Camp Pendleton to instruct basic cannonner and basic machine gun course. Master Sergeant Sannicolas soon became the Curriculum Developer and then earning the billet as Chief Instructor.
On September 1, 2005, Master Sergeant Sannicolas was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He graduated Career Course at Camp Pendleton in December 2005.
In December of 2005, Master Sergeant Sannicolas received orders to Recruiter School, MCRD San Diego. Following School Master Sergeant Sannicolas then received orders to serve as a canvassing recruiter at Recruiter Station San Francisco, Ca. He would serve a successful tour where he would earn the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
In July 2008, Master Sergeant Sannicolas received orders to Camp Pendleton, Ca. to serve as Platoon Sergeant for Charlie Battery, 1st Bn, 11th Marines. Master Sergeant Sannicolas would then excel to become the Battery Local Security Chief.
In March 2010, Master Sergeant Sannicolas served aboard the USS Peleiu completing a successful eight month deployment . Master Sergeant Sannicolas also earned the promotion to Gunnery Sergeant on August 1, 2010. He then graduated from the Advance Course located at the Enlisted University Academy School.
From January 2012 to May 2013, Master Sergeant Sannicolas served as the Battalion Field Artillery Chief for 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, Camp Las Pulgas.
On September 1, 2015, Master Sergeant Sannicolas was promoted to his current rank where he was serving as the Operations Chief for MCRD San Diego HQSVCBN. During this time, Master Sergeant Sannicolas received orders to Marine Corps Activity Guam where he is now stationed and serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor.
Master Sergeant Sannicolas married the former Nicole Smith on July 07, 2001, and they have one Daughter, Kianni, and two Sons, Dominick and Malakai.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two stars, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Recruiter Ribbon.