Oregon Marine Promoted to Sergeant in Afghanistan

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Dengrier Baez | U.S. Marine Sgt. Maxwell Van Diest is pinned his current rank during a promotion ceremony in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Van Diest, an intelligence analyst and Bend, Oregon native, is currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Resolute Support Mission. Resolute Support is the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan committed to assisting the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces’ development of sustainable systems necessary for Afghanistan to become more secure, safe, and stable. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Dengrier M. Baez)  

AFGHANISTAN

11.01.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Dengrier Baez 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (November 1, 2019) – U.S. Marine Sgt. Maxwell Van Diest, 25, an intelligence analyst and Bend Oregon native, was promoted to his current rank while deployed in support of Resolute Support Mission during a ceremony in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, November 1, 2019.

Van Diest, a Central Oregon Community College alumnus, earned the coveted rank through the regular Marine Corps promotion system. At the rank of sergeant, Marines become senior noncommissioned officers vested with more authority and leadership responsibilities. Van Diest’s award include the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Resolute Support is the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan committed to assisting the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces’ development of sustainable systems necessary for Afghanistan to become more secure, safe, and stable.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2019
• Date Posted: 11.04.2019 07:47
• Story ID: 350335
• Location: AF
• Hometown: BEND, OR, US