Walter E. Gaskin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter E. Gaskin
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| Allegiance | United States | ||||||||||||||
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps | ||||||||||||||
| Years of service | 1974–2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Rank | Lieutenant General | ||||||||||||||
| Commands held | 2nd Marine Division Marine Corps Recruiting 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines |
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| Battles/wars | Iraq War | ||||||||||||||
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
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Walter Edward Gaskin Sr. is a retired high-ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps. He held the rank of Lieutenant General. From 2009 to 2013, he was a top leader in NATO, serving as the Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. For a short time, he was also the Acting Chairman. He made history as the first African American to hold these important leadership roles in the NATO Military Committee.
After his military career, General Gaskin continued to serve. He works with an organization that helps with defense and business. In 2021, the Governor of North Carolina chose him to be a leader for military and veterans affairs in the state.
Marine Corps Career
General Gaskin had a long and important career in the Marine Corps. From 2006 to 2008, he was the main commander of the 2nd Marine Division in North Carolina. At the same time, he also led a special Marine force called II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). During this period, he led his troops in Iraq. They were part of a large group of forces in Al Anbar Province.
Before these roles, General Gaskin held other key positions. He worked at The Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., helping to coordinate military operations. He also led the Marine Corps' recruiting efforts, helping new people join the Marines. From 2002 to 2004, he worked in Italy, helping to support naval forces in Southern Europe. His first role as a general was leading the Training and Education Command in 2000.
General Gaskin served four times with the 2nd Marine Division. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. During this time, he also led a special unit called Battalion Landing Team 2/2. This unit was sent to Liberia and the Central African Republic. Their mission was to protect American Embassies during important operations.
He also worked with other Marine units. He helped plan operations for a Marine force supporting an exercise in Norway. He also led the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. With this unit, he took part in training exercises in Egypt and Jordan. He also served as a reserve force for operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
General Gaskin also served in Japan and South Korea. In South Korea, he worked with combined forces. He also held various supporting roles. He trained new recruits at Parris Island. He taught future officers at Savannah State University. He also helped recruit new officers in Georgia. General Gaskin retired from the Marine Corps in October 2013.
Education
Walter Gaskin graduated from Savannah State University in 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Later, in 1992, he received a master's degree. This degree was in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.
He also attended a special seminar at Harvard University in 2002. General Gaskin completed several military training programs. These include the Basic School and Amphibious Warfare School. He also studied at the United States Army Command and Staff College. He attended the Army War College as well.
Awards and Decorations
Lieutenant General Gaskin received many awards and decorations. These show his bravery and dedication.
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Post-Military Career
After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Gaskin worked in business. He was a Managing Director at Global Bank. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer for a technology defense company.
In January 2021, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper appointed him. General Gaskin became the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In this role, he helps support military members and veterans in North Carolina.
