Sergeant Major
SgtMaj Daniel N. Heider

 

Sergeant Major Heider was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Marine Corps in October of 1996. After graduating recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Private First Class Heider reported to Marine Combat Training, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and subsequently to Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi for training as an Aviation Maintenance Data Specialist.

In May of 1997, Private First Class Heider reported to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for duty with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 (MALS-24). While stationed with MALS-24, he obtained the rank of Corporal and served as the Aviation Maintenance Data NCOIC.  In March of 1999, Corporal Heider received orders to HMH-362, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

While at HMH-362, Sergeant Heider deployed to New Delhi, India in support of a Presidential security. Additionally, he deployed to Korea, Thailand, Okinawa, and Guam in preparation of the establishment of the Unit Deployment Program. In March of 2001,  Sergeant Heider received orders to MALS-12, Marine Corps Air Station, lwakuni, Japan.

In April of 2001, Sergeant Heider deployed to Australia and participated in Exercise Tandem Thrust. While serving with MALS-12, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served as the Data Analyst SNCOIC. Then in 2006, he received orders to VMU-2, Cherry Point, North Carolina.

In February of 2006 and March of 2007, Staff Sergeant Heider deployed to Al Taqaddum, Iraq and served as the Squadron Data Analyst/Maintenance Data Chief. Upon completion of two tours in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Heider received orders to Marine Corps Security Force School, Chesapeake, Virginia.

In February of 2008, Staff Sergeant Heider reported to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment and assumed the responsibilities of the Regimental Ground Safety Officer.  He also served as a member of the Commanding General's Readiness Inspection Team.

In July of 2009, Staff Sergeant Heider was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and received orders to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) Central, Bahrain to serve as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. While stationed at FAST Company, he assisted in the planning/execution of several Theater Security Engagements throughout the Central Command area of operation. In addition, he provided support and participated in fixed site security missions at several embassies during the Arab Spring uprising.  Then in April   of 2011, he received orders to HMH-362, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

In February of 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Heider deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. At the completion of the deployment and after the retirement of the colors, Gunnery Sergeant Heider received orders to MALS-24, where he briefly served as the Aviation Maintenance Data Chief until he was frocked to First Sergeant. Then in May of 2013, he received orders to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines.

While at Company E, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, First Sergeant Heider deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support the Unit Deployment Program. While deployed, First Sergeant Heider participated in a bi-lateral training exercise with the Royal Australian Army and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. Additionally, he participated in Exercise Ssang Yong 2014.

In November of 2014, First Sergeant Heider transferred to 3d Radio Battalion and held the billet of H&S Company First Sergeant.

Then in March of 2015, he was ordered to Inspector-Instructor (I-I) duty at Site Support Buffalo, NY/Co C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines and served as the 1-1 First Sergeant. While serving as the Site Support First Sergeant, the 1-1 staff supported Exercises African Lion (Morocco), Frozen Riley (Canada), Lake Effect (New York), Nordic Frost (Vermont), and Northern Strike (Michigan). First Sergeant Heider was then promoted to Sergeant Major in August of2018 and reported to MACS-4, Okinawa Japan.

In August of 2018, Sergeant Major Heider assumed the responsibilities as the MACS-4 Squadron Sergeant Major. Then in June of 2020, he was relieved as the Sergeant Major of MACS-4 and reported to MTACS-18 to assume the responsibilities of Squadron Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Heider holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Troy University (graduated Magna Cum Laude).  In addition, he is currently enrolled in a Master's Program with Liberty University.  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation medal with 3 gold stars and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars.