Maj Gene Redding, USMC (Ret.)

Maj Gene Redding, USMC (Ret.)

After 9/11, Gene Redding experienced two short-notice recalls to Marine Corps active duty. He served in Afghanistan in 2002 and with the 1st Marine Division in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In this talk, he’ll share his background as a Marine, his missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the challenges of coming home and resuming a career after mobilization.   

Gene Redding grew up in the Philadelphia area and enlisted in the Marines at 18. As a Sergeant, he was accepted into the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). He graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, and earned a Commission as a Regular Marine Officer. After fourteen years on Active Duty; he resigned his commission and became a Financial Advisor.

After 9/11, The Marine Corps recalled Gene to active duty to serve in Afghanistan. His unit was tasked to source, equip and train a new Afghan Army. He created his own intelligence sources, developed relationships with local warlords and persuaded them to give him weapons, ammunition, and support services. After this tour, he was recalled again and participated in the initial assault of Iraq with the 1st Marine Division.

Gene is the newly appointed Commander of San Francisco Commandery of The Naval Order of the United States. 

He and his wife Mary Ann live in Lodi, California.  They have 3 children: Emily, Erin, and Timothy.

PLAN OF THE DAY

1130 - Gather and Greet
1200 - Call to Order
·       Pledge of Allegiance – CAPT Stan Ellexson
·       Grace – LCDR Art Curtis, Commandery Chaplain
·       Introduction of Flag Officers – Commandery Commander
·       Introduction of Guests – SF Companions
1205 – Medical Minute – CAPT Tom Snyder
1210 – Membership Report – RADM Tom Andrews
1215 – Announcements – Commander Companions
1220 – Lunch
1250 – Guest Speaker
1325 – Raffle
1330 – Adjourn