Master Gunnery Sergeant Brent L. Dorrough (Retired)
Service Years: 1992 – 2022
USMC BIO
Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough was born on 23 August 1974 in Carrollton, Georgia, and grew up in the small town of Hogansville, Georgia.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August of 1991, on the very day that he turned 17, and upon graduation from Hogansville High School, he departed for Basic Training in August of 1992, where he trained at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Alpha Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.
Meritoriously promoted to Private First Class upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, NC, and then went on to train at the Field Radio Operator’s Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center – 29
Palms, California, where he was promoted to Lance Corporal(LCpl).
Upon graduation, Lance Corporal Dorrough was assigned to 3d Battalion, 6th Marines (3/6) in March of 1993 as a Field Radio Operator. During this tour, he served as a Radio Operator and Tactical Air Controller while participating in various
exercises and unit deployments in almost every clime and place, from Somalia to Bosnia, Haiti, Cuba, Okinawa, Japan, and Pohang, South Korea.
While serving with 3/6, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal(Cpl).
In June of 1996, Corporal Dorrough was transferred to Marine Wing Support Squadron(MWSS)-273, in Beaufort, S.C., where he served as the Training NCO, Radio Chief, S-6 Training Chief, and Platoon Sergeant.
Here, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant(Sgt) and participated in deployments to Norway for cold-weather training and later to Hungary, in support of combat operations in Kosovo.
Screened and selected for Recruiting Duty in the summer of 1999, Sgt Dorrough attended the Marine Corps’ Recruiter School in San Diego, CA., and was assigned to Recruiting Station Atlanta/Recruiting Sub-Station Macon, Georgia, in December,
where he served as a Recruiter and then as the Station SNCOIC.
Here he was promoted to Staff Sergeant(SSgt) in January of 2000 and then to Gunnery Sergeant(GySgt), meritoriously, in July of2002. To put that into perspective, each year the Marine Corpsonly selects four Marine Recruiters to be meritoriously promoted to the rank of GySgt.
In December 2002, GySgt Dorrough reported to the Joint Warfighting Center in Suffolk, Va., and served there in the J6 as a Joint C4 Planner and the senior Marine Communications representative in this division.
In October of 2004, GySgt Dorrough was reassigned to Camp Fuji, Japan. Here he served as the Base Communications Officer for 12 months and was responsible for every aspect of communications for the entire base, from tactical communications used for the raining and maneuvering of visiting artillery units, to the satellite television network for this isolated base.
Following his assignment to Camp Fuji, GySgt Dorrough was selected to be the Communications Chief for Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment(MCSFR) in Norfolk, Virginia in 2005.
After serving in Virginia for 9 months, he volunteered to deploy to Iraq as the Communications Chief and Senior Enlisted Advisor for a Military Transition Team (MiTT) team that would live with and train an Iraqi Infantry Battalion to conduct their own combat operations against terrorist factions on the Syrian border for one year.
This deployment provided daily interactions in the most hostile situations, where combat operations and loss of life was far too common.
Fortunately, the entire MiTT team made it home, with only minor injuries and no casualties. While deployed to Iraq, he was selected for and then promoted to Master Sergeant(MSgt).
Returning to Virginia in late 2008, MSgt Dorrough was handpicked to serve as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor of a new command that was just being stood up on Fort Story in Virginia Beach,responsible for training and deploying teams globally to train and advise foreign militaries.
Normally, the Commandant of the Marine Corps is the only Officer who gets to select his Senior Enlisted Advisor, but this selection was based on his success as the Senior Enlisted Advisor in combat, where his leadership and courage proved to be unwavering and invaluable.
His numerous deployments from here were to the countries of Georgia, Germany, and West Africa.
In 2010, MSgt Dorrough reported to 2nd Marine Logistics Group(MLG), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as the Regimental
Communications Chief for Combat Logistics Regiment(CLR)-2. Here he was responsible for the training, staffing, and deploying Marines around the world, in support of the nine subordinate commands throughout the Marine Logistics Group, and several other individual augmentee billets.
This assignment saw him reach the very top of the promotion pipeline, achieving the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant(Master Gunnery Sergeant – E9), three and a half months shy of reaching 20 years of service.
In July of 2012, Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough reported to MCLB Albany, Ga., to serve as the Marine Corps Logistics Command’s C4 Operations Chief. In early January 2013 he deployed to Camp Leatherneck, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan to serve as the Marine CorpsLogistics Command – Forward’s Senior Enlisted Advisor for 7 months. Here he led Marines again in combat operations that supported the warfighters with every logistical need imaginable, while managing hundreds of millions of dollars of assets.
In April of 2015, Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough wrapped up a successful tour at Marine Corps Logistics Command and reported for duty as the Command’s Senior Enlisted Communicator and Squadron Communications Chief at Marine Wing Communication Squadron 28, in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
He would soon volunteer and deploy to Djibouti, Africa, to serve as the Joint Operations Center’s (J-3/5/7) Senior Enlisted Advisor for actions against terrorists throughout the African continent, then return in August of 2016 and serve the Squadron until he was hand selected to become a Major Subordinate Command (MSC) Communications Chief at 2nd Marine Logistics Group in 2017, taking him back to Camp Lejeune, NC.
In 2018, as the primary candidate to replace the Communications Chief of the Marine Corps at HQMC C4, Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough chose to remove himself from the selection process and wrap up a long and adventurous career in Hawaii instead.
February of 2019 brought the final PCS for Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough and his family, moving him to his position as the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Communications Chief. Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough would serve here from February of 2019 until May of 2022, and then he and his family would finally settle in Ovilla, Texas in July of 2022.
His retirement would become official on August 31st, 2022, giving him 30 years and 19 days of honorable service in his beloved Corps.
Upon leaving the Marine Corps, he took a position that was specifically created for him with National Freight Inc., to create a training center that would be responsible for training the company’s warehousing personnel. The project was to last a year, but it was completed and implemented in 10 months. He was offered any other available position within the company, but wasn’t interested in any of them, nor was he personally satisfied with the company‘s overall impact on the local community.
Seeking to find something that could somehow benefit the Veteran population or the community at large, he chose to look at the opportunities offered through local county government.
In January of 2024, the 378th District Judge William Wallace hired him to stand up and run the Ellis County Veterans’ Treatment Court.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Dorrough is married to the former Stephanie Myra Pridell of Papillion, Nebraska. Their family consists of four children: Jessica, Brandon, Matthew and Cameron, along with their son-in-law, SSgt Daniel Russell(USAF), and their two grandsons, Carson and Crew.
Professional Schools Attended
- Communication Systems Chief Course 1998
- Sergeant’s Course 1999
- Recruiter’s Course 1999
- SNCO Advanced Course 2004
- Warfighting Skills Program 2004
- Amphibious Warfare School 2005
- Security Management 2005
- E8 Seminar 2009
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education 2010
- Communications Chief Course – 2011
- Joint C4 Planner’s Course 2011
- Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education Course 2011
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt 2018
- Leadership Team Awareness Seminar (DEOMI) 2018
- Senior Leaders Legal Course 2019
Endnote
His Time in Service Around the World
Deployments
- Somalia (Africa) – 1993
Brent arrived in Somalia during a period of extreme instability and humanitarian crisis. His role in communications placed him at the heart of coordination efforts, ensuring Marines and humanitarian teams could operate safely. He witnessed hardship up close, and it strengthened his resolve to help others wherever he served.
- Cuba (GTMO) – 1994/1995
At GTMO, Brent supported operations during a time of mass migration and regional tension. His communications expertise helped maintain order and stability on a base that was constantly shifting. He worked long hours, often in demanding conditions, but always with the same calm professionalism.
- Haiti – 1994
During the Haiti mission, Brent supported efforts to restore stability and assist a population in crisis. His work ensured that Marines, peacekeepers, and humanitarian teams could communicate effectively. He saw firsthand how military presence could bring hope to communities in turmoil.
- Bosnia – 1995
In Bosnia, Brent served during a fragile peacekeeping period following years of conflict. Communications were critical to preventing misunderstandings and maintaining safety. He operated in a tense environment where every message mattered, and he carried out his duties with precision and discipline.
- Okinawa, Japan – 1996
Okinawa offered a different kind of challenge — high‑tempo training, joint operations, and constant readiness. Brent thrived in this environment, mentoring younger Marines and strengthening the communication backbone of forward‑deployed forces in the Pacific.
- Norway – 1999
In Norway’s extreme cold-weather environment, Brent trained alongside NATO partners. He operated in snow, ice, and sub‑zero temperatures, learning to maintain communications equipment in some of the harshest conditions on earth. His adaptability and resilience shone through.
- Hungary – 1999
Hungary served as a strategic hub for operations in the Balkans. Brent supported multinational coordination, working with allies and strengthening the interoperability that modern missions depend on. His professionalism earned respect across partner forces.
- Camp Fuji, Japan – 2004/2005
At Camp Fuji, Brent supported high‑intensity training operations, ensuring communication systems remained reliable during live‑fire exercises and joint training. His leadership helped prepare Marines for the deployments that would follow in the Global War on Terror.
- Iraq (OIF) – 2007/2008
Iraq was one of the most demanding chapters of Brent’s career. He operated in a combat zone where communications were vital to survival. He ensured that Marines had the connectivity they needed to execute missions, call for support, and return home safely. His calm under pressure became a lifeline for many.
- The Republic of Georgia – 2008, 2009, 2010
In Georgia, Brent helped train and support partner forces, strengthening international cooperation. He built relationships, shared knowledge, and represented the Marine Corps with dignity. His work helped shape the capabilities of a nation rebuilding its military strength.
- Germany – 2008/2009
Germany served as a staging and coordination point for operations across Europe and the Middle East. Brent’s role required precision, adaptability, and the ability to work across cultures and commands. He excelled in every aspect.
- Cameroon, Africa – 2009
Limbe, Africa – 2009
In Cameroon and Limbe, Brent supported training and partnership missions with African forces. He worked in challenging environments, often with limited resources, but always with the same commitment to helping others. His presence strengthened alliances and built trust.
- Afghanistan (OEF) – 2012/2013
Afghanistan demanded everything a Marine could give. Brent operated in rugged terrain, under constant threat, ensuring that communication lines stayed open in some of the most dangerous conditions of the war. His leadership, experience, and calm presence made him a pillar of strength for those around him.
- Djibouti Africa – 2016/17
Djibouti served as a critical hub for counterterrorism and regional stability operations. Brent supported missions across East Africa, working with joint and coalition forces. His ability to connect people, systems, and missions made him invaluable.
Across every deployment — from deserts to mountains, from conflict zones to humanitarian missions — Brent carried the same qualities:
• Steady leadership
• Unshakeable professionalism
• Compassion for all people
• Faith that guided his steps
• A heart for helping others, in and out of uniform
• A deep love for his family, who remained his life no matter where he served
Every place he went, he made it better.
Every mission he touched, he strengthened.
Every Marine he led, he lifted.
And through it all, he carried home the same truth:
His family was his life — the reason he served, the reason he sacrificed, and the legacy he cherished most.
The Ellis County Veterans’ Court is a specialized, treatment focused program designed to assist Justice‑Involved Veterans (JIV) whose military service left them with physical, mental, or emotional injuries. Instead of moving these veterans through the traditional criminal justice system, the court diverts them into a structured, supervised treatment program tailored to their individual needs.
As Program Manager, Brent ensured that every veteran who entered the program was:
- Respected
- Heard
- Supported
- Guided with dignity and accountability
He coordinated assessments, treatment plans, mentorship connections, and community resources — always with the goal of helping veterans regain stability, purpose, and pride.
Under Brent’s leadership, the program’s mission came to life:
- Reducing recidivism among veterans
- Restoring their sense of duty and self‑worth
- Supporting their return to healthy, stable, productive lives
- Connecting them with local treatment, resources, and opportunities
Brent understood the invisible wounds of service. He understood the challenges of transition. And he understood the importance of giving veterans a path forward — not through punishment, but through healing, structure, and support.
His work in Ellis County was not just a job.
It was an extension of who he was: a Marine, a mentor, a servant‑leader, and a man who helped all — in and out of uniform.
Words Of Wisdom- Brent Dorrough
- The max effective range of an excuse is 0 meters.
- No one really cares about effort, but results truly matter.
- No plan survives first contact, so never fall in love with your plan.
- People don’t decide their futures; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures.
- Discipline leads to habits. Habits lead to consistency. Consistency leads to growth.
- If you believe that you can, or can’t, you’re right.
Legacy
Master Gunnery Sergeant Brent L. Dorrough dedicated thirty years to the United States Marine Corps, rising to the pinnacle of a highly structured and hierarchical system of enlisted technical leadership as one of the Corps’ most respected Communications Chief.
Across every command, deployment, and mission, he became known as the Marine who could be counted on — the steady hand, the calm voice, and the leader who ensured that communication lines stayed open when it mattered most. Rising to the highest enlisted technical rank in his field and becoming one of the Corps’ most trusted. He built a reputation for excellence — the Marine Commanders relied on when the mission demanded precision, calm judgment, and unwavering reliability.
From his earliest days as a Radio Operator to his roles as Tactical Air Controller, C4 Operations Chief, Senior Enlisted Advisor, and Squadron Communications Chief, Brent shaped the readiness of Marines across generations. He trained them, mentored them, and prepared them for the unforgiving realities of modern warfare. His leadership was steady, humble, and rooted in a deep sense of responsibility.
He served not for recognition, but because he believed in duty, in honor, and in the Marines who stood beside him.
Yet Brent’s greatest legacy was never defined by rank or billet. It was defined by the life he lived beyond the uniform — a life anchored in faith, family, service, and a profound love for the world around him.
At the center of Brent’s life was his wife, Stephanie, his partner in every sense of the word. Through deployments, relocations, and the unpredictable rhythm of military life, she remained his constant source of strength and encouragement. Their marriage was built on loyalty, resilience, and a love that carried them through every challenge and every triumph. Together, they created a home grounded in faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Brent’s children were not just part of his life — they were his life. Everything he did, every sacrifice he made, every mile he traveled in service to his country was anchored in his love for them. He taught them integrity, humility, and compassion through the way he lived. He showed them what it meant to work hard, to stand firm, and to treat others with respect. His influence shaped their character, their choices, and the way they walk through the world and in their own lives.
To his grandchildren, Brent was a source of joy, wisdom, and gentle strength. He celebrated their milestones, encouraged their dreams, and made sure they always felt loved, valued, and supported. His presence in their lives will continue to echo through the generations. The choices they make and the people they become.
Brent’s faith was the foundation of his character. It guided his decisions, strengthened him through hardship, and shaped the way he treated others. He lived his beliefs quietly but powerfully — through kindness, humility, and a willingness to serve. His faith was something he demonstrated daily. He demonstrated in every interaction, every act of generosity, and every moment of grace.
Whether in uniform or in his community, Brent was the person people turned to when they needed help. He had a gift for showing up — for offering support, guidance, or simply a steady presence. He mentored young people, supported fellow veterans, and helped neighbors without ever seeking recognition. Service was not a duty to him; it was a calling.
Brent had a rare gift: he helped people simply because they needed help. It didn’t matter whether they wore the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor or had never stepped onto a military base. He supported Marines, veterans, neighbors, strangers, and anyone who crossed his path.
He mentored young service members finding their footing .He guided veterans navigating life after the uniform. He helped civilians with the same patience, respect, and sincerity he offered his Marines.
To Brent, service was not limited to the Corps — it was a way of life. He believed every person deserved dignity, support, and compassion. His impact reached far beyond the boundaries of rank, branch, or background.
Brent found peace and joy in the outdoors. Whether hiking, exploring new places, or simply spending time in nature, he embraced the world with curiosity and appreciation. Travel allowed him to experience different cultures, landscapes, and moments of quiet reflection. These adventures became cherished memories shared with Stephanie, his children, and his grandchildren — reminders of the beauty he found in both the journey and the destination.
Brent’s story is one of devotion — to his country, to his Marines, to his faith, and above all, to his family. His 30‑year military career stands as a testament to excellence and Honor in how he served and the lives he has touched. A legacy shown in Love in how he lived. Faith in how he walked through life. Strength in how he led. Compassion in how he helped others.
Family is the heart of his purpose, and sacrifice, but his greatest legacy is the life he built and the lives he touched.
This is the legacy of Master Gunnery Sergeant Brent L. Dorrough — a Marine, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a mentor, a man of faith, and a life lived with courage, purpose and heart.
Semper Fidelis,
Ranks/Billets
E6
E8
E9
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant (PSG)
Gunnery Sergeant
Gunnery Master Sergeant
Senior Communications
Base Communications Officer
Communications Chief
Radio Operator
Tactical Air Controller
Training NCO Radio Chief
Recruiting
Infantry
Senior Enlisted Advisor
Logistics Command C4 Operations Chief
Senior Enlisted Communicator
Squadron Communications Chief Marine Wing Squadron 28