Colonel Sanders has over two decades of service as a Marine officer, combining operational command with international engagement. Commissioned in 2001 as an Air Support Control Officer, he quickly gained valuable experience during a 2003 deployment to Iraq with MASS-3 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This foundation in tactical operations was swiftly complemented by leadership opportunities, including serving as the Air Support Element (ASE) Officer-in-Charge for the 13th MEU, where he directed critical air support operations during a combat deployment to Al Anbar Province. From the outset, his career demonstrated a capacity for both decisive action and effective leadership in challenging environments.
A pivotal aspect of Colonel Sanders’ career has been his selection as a Foreign Area Officer (FAO), leading to extensive international experience. He pursued advanced studies at the Naval Postgraduate School, focusing on the geopolitics of Africa, and completed intensive language training in French. This culminated in a posting in Senegal supporting Marine Forces Africa security cooperation initiatives. However, even with these internationally focused roles, he continued to lead – serving as the Active Duty Officer-in-Charge with MASS-6, overseeing deployments to the Horn of Africa and disaster preparedness exercises.
Colonel Sanders continued to alternate between command and international assignments, showcasing his versatility. He commanded Bravo Company, MASS-3, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and later served as the Squadron’s Operations Officer and Executive Officer. Intermixed with these assignments, he leveraged his FAO expertise as the Africa & France Issues Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, developing policy and advising senior leaders. He further enhanced his international credentials by attending Brazil’s Naval Command and Staff College, the NATO Defense College, and by serving as the Deputy Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Spain.
Following his return to Okinawa, Japan, Colonel Sanders served as the Fires and Effects Coordinator for III Marine Expeditionary Force and subsequently assumed command of Marine Air Control Group 18 (MACG-18), his current assignment. His career reflects a consistent pattern of successfully leading Marines while simultaneously fostering crucial international partnerships and developing regional expertise.
Colonel Sanders is a qualified Tactical Air Director, Helicopter Director, Senior Air Director, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He has cultivated fluency in multiple languages and holds FAO designations for Africa, Western Europe, and Latin America. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award as well as the French National Defense Medal (Médaille de la Défense Nationale, échelon OR).