Headquarters Company First Sergeant
First Sergeant William S. Abernathy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps delayed entry program in July 1995. In May 1996 he attended 2nd Recruit Training Battalion Parris Island, South Carolina and graduated August 1996. Upon completion of recruit training, he attended the School of Infantry in Camp Geiger, North Carolina where he received the military occupational specialty of Machine gunner, 0331.
In October 1996, he received orders to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii where he served as A-gunner, Gunner, Vehicle Commander with Weapons Company, Heavy Weapons Platoon. In June 1998, he was re-assigned to Fox Company, Weapons Platoon, where he served as the Machinegun Section Leader.
In May 2000, he lateral moved and attended Military Police Basic School in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In August 2001, he received orders to 2nd Field Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he served as a squad leader and Detachment Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.
In January 2001, he attached to MEU Service Support Group 24. During this assignment, he participated in operations in Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In July 2003, he attached to MEU Service Support Group 22. During this assignment, he participated in operations in Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In November 2004, he attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 8. During this assignment, he participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In March 2006, he attended Recruiters School at Marine Corps Depot San Diego, California. Upon completion of Recruiters School he received orders to Recruiting Station Atlanta, Georgia. During this tour he served as a Marine on recruiting duty at Personnel Contact Station Lagrange, Georgia and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Recruiting Sub-Station Columbus, Georgia.
In January 2009, he received orders to II Marine Expeditionary Force, Head Quarters Group, Military Police Support Company.
In May 2009, he attached to II Marine Division, Military Police Company, where he deployed with MEB-A. While on this assignment he served as Police Mentor Team Leader.
In January 2010, he returned to II Marine Expeditionary Force, Head Quarters Group, where served as Platoon Sergeant and Company First Sergeant.
In June 2012, he received orders to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he served as class advisor and Phase Chief.
In May 2013, he was moved to Military Police Instruction Company Headquarters, where he served as Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In April 2014 First Sergeant Abernathy reported into 7th Communication Battalion where he currently serves at the Bravo Company First Sergeant.
First Sergeant Abernathy’s personal awards include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with ”V”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon with 1 gold star, and the Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver star.