Walter Edward Gaskin Sr 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 |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
| Other work |
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| (acting) Chairman of the NATO Military Committee | |
| In office 18 November 2011 – 2 January 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Giampaolo Di Paola |
| Succeeded by | Knud Bartels |
Walter Edward Gaskin Sr. is a retired United States Marine Corps officer. He reached the rank of Lieutenant General. This is a very high rank in the military. From 2009 to 2013, he served as the 19th Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. NATO is a group of countries that work together for defense. He was also the Acting Chairman of this committee for a short time. He was the first African American to hold these important positions at NATO.
In January 2021, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper chose Gaskin to be the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He left this job on April 1, 2024.
Contents
Marine Corps Career
Walter Gaskin had a long and successful career in the Marine Corps. He joined in 1974 and retired in 2013.
Leading Troops in Iraq
From 2006 to 2008, Gaskin was the Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Division. This unit is based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. At the same time, he also led the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). During this period, he led his troops in Iraq. They were part of the Multinational Forces-West in Al Anbar Province.
Other Important Roles
Before his time in Iraq, Gaskin held many other key positions. From 2008 to 2009, he was the Vice Director of The Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. This role helps coordinate military operations.
He also served as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. This means he was in charge of finding new Marines. He started this role in 2002.
From 2002 to 2004, he worked in Naples, Italy. There, he was the Chief of Staff for Naval Striking and Support Forces-Southern Europe. He was also the Deputy Commanding General for Fleet Marine Forces-Europe.
His first job as a General Officer was in March 2000. He became the Commanding General of Training and Education Command in Quantico. This role focused on training new Marines.
Early Career and Deployments
Gaskin served four times with the 2nd Marine Division. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. As their Commanding Officer, he also led Battalion Landing Team 2/2. This team deployed to Liberia and the Central African Republic. They helped protect American Embassies during operations called Assured Response and Quick Response.
He also worked with the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). He was involved in exercises in Norway, Egypt, and Jordan. He also served as a reserve force for operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Gaskin also served in Okinawa, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea. He worked at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. He helped train new recruits there. He also taught at Savannah State University.
He retired from the Marine Corps on October 31, 2013.
Education and Learning
Walter Gaskin graduated from Savannah State University in 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He also has a master's degree in Public Administration. He received this from the University of Oklahoma in 1992.
He continued his education at top military schools. He attended The Basic School and Amphibious Warfare School. He also went to the United States Army Command and Staff College. Later, he studied at the United States Army War College. These schools helped him become a better military leader.
Awards and Decorations
Lieutenant General Gaskin received many awards for his service. These awards show his bravery and dedication.
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Life After the Military
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Gaskin worked in business. He was a Managing Director at Global Bank. He also became the Chief Executive Officer of La Porte Technology Defense (LAPORTECH).
In January 2021, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper appointed Gaskin as the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This department helps military members and veterans in the state.
On March 28, 2024, Gaskin announced he would leave his role. This decision followed criticism from lawmakers. They were unhappy about his choice to close a retirement home for veterans in Fayetteville.
Gaskin has also been involved in politics. He supported Hillary Clinton for president in 2016. In 2020, he supported Joe Biden for president. For the 2024 election, he endorsed Kamala Harris for president.
Images for kids
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Major General Gaskin meeting with local leaders in Iraq, January 2008.
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Major General Gaskin taking an oath in October 2005.
