William O’Brien resides in Moline, Illinois, with his wife of 20 years, Selena. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988 and served honorably on active duty until his retirement in October 2023.

From Private First Class to Staff Sergeant, he worked as a UH-1N and AH-1W helicopter electronics, navigation, and weapons systems technician, and also served as a Huey door gunner and crew chief. Rising through the officer ranks from Second Lieutenant to Colonel, his primary specialty became Assault Amphibian Officer and senior planner.

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Throughout his distinguished career, he deployed numerous times, with the most impactful experiences including Operations Desert Shield/Storm (1991), Restore Hope in Somalia (1993), Iraqi Freedom (2004 and 2005), and Enduring Freedom (2011).

Today, Colonel O’Brien continues to serve the Assault Amphibian community as President of the Marine Corps Alligator Marines Association, supporting Marines and Sailors who served in both combat and peacetime.

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He enjoys fishing, hunting, reloading, target shooting, and all things handyman-related. He’s especially excited for his first black bear hunt and is deeply grateful to have been selected for this incredible opportunity.

Master Sergeant Heath Fernald was born in New Port Richey, Florida, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 2000. After graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island with a meritorious promotion to Private First Class, he completed Marine Combat Training and Assault Amphibian School, earning the MOS 1833: Assault Amphibian Crew Member.

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He began his career with Company C, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, deploying with the 24th MEU in 2003 during the initial invasion of Iraq, and again in 2004 as a lead instructor for the Iraqi Border Patrol. Promoted to Sergeant in 2005, he went on to serve as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Drill Master at Parris Island, earning promotion to Staff Sergeant.

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In 2008, he joined the Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 with Embedded Training Team 5-5, where he advised the Afghan National Army on the use of heavy weapons. He later served with the Marine Corps Shooting Teams, holding multiple instructor and leadership roles, and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.

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From 2014 to 2016, he served as Platoon Sergeant with 3rd AABN, deploying with the 31st MEU. He then became a Test Director at the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch, supporting the Survivability Upgrade and Amphibious Combat Vehicle programs.

Promoted to Master Sergeant in 2018, he returned to 3rd AABN, deploying in support of UDP operations and serving as Logistics Chief, Operations Chief, and later Battalion Operations Chief until his retirement in June 2020.

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Today, Master Sergeant Fernald enjoys retirement with his wife of 20 years, April. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Zachary was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Terminal Lance Corporal. He completed two deployments with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, India Company, 1st Platoon, where he served as a machine gun team leader.

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His first deployment took him to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from 2008 to 2009, spanning a period of seven months. There, his unit was tasked with securing a vital travel route known as Route 515. His second deployment was part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during which he embarked with the U.S. Navy across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. His unit was activated off the ships in support of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), and spent six months in the Upper Gereshk River Valley (UGV), conducting contact patrols and drawing enemy fighters away from 3/5’s area of operations.

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Today, he is a valued member of our Beyond the Battle family of heroes. We’re honored to walk alongside him and grateful for his service, sacrifice, and continued presence in our community.