MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The leathernecks of 1st Marine Division welcomed their new sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Frank E. Pulley, and parted ways with Sgt. Maj. Wayne R. Bell in a post and appointment ceremony held Feb. 2 at the 11 Area Parade Field here.
Bell, who served as the division sergeant major since July 2003, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom throughout 2004 until early 2005, serving as the senior enlisted advisor to Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis and Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski.
During his speech, Bell gave endless praise to the Marines under him for their tireless efforts in the Global War on Terrorism.
“Marines, your performance during my tour of duty has been nothing less than exceptional,” said Bell, from Washington, D.C. “ You are my hero’s, and I truly do love you all.”
Bell will move on as the Marine Corps Installations West sergeant major.
Pulley brings with him a bevy of experience from the Fleet Marine Force. In his last assignment, Pulley was the sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and the Western Recruiting Region from April 2003 until February 2006.
In a career that has spanned nearly 30 years, Pulley has taken on a plethora of assignments. Pulley served as platoon sergeant for Battery 13, 12th Marine Regiment, but was later nominated to serve as the regimental career planner for the 12th Marines while stationed at Okinawa, Japan.
In August 1990, Pulley received orders to the Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego. Graduating sixth in his class, Pulley was subsequently assigned to Company C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, where he served as a drill instructor and later as a chief DI.
Pulley’s personal decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with gold star in lieu of second award). Pulley is also a recipient of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Medal for lasting contributions to field artillery.
Pulley promised to take care of his Marines just as well as Bell did.
“It is an absolute honor to be serving as the (1st Marine) Division sergeant major, and I vow to take care of my Marines and Sailors,” said Pulley, from Springfield, Tenn.
The 1st Marine Division is supported by Marine aviation and force service support units, and is prepared to employ as an integral part of the Marine Expeditionary Force. Several units from the 1st Marine Division recently deployed to Iraq and more units will follow throughout the year.