MSgt. Earl L. Legette has retired from the United States Marine Corps.
Legette enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 25, 1991 and underwent Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation of boot camp, he reported to Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC and then reported to the U.S. Army Transportation School, Ft. Eustis, VA, where he completed the Traffic Management Course to obtain Military Occupational Specialty 3112.
In February 1992, Private First Class Legette was transferred to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, NC for duty as a Traffic Management Specialist. He also served as a Legal Services aide and was promoted to the ranks of Lance Corporal and Corporal.
In March 1995, Corporal Legette reported to Headquarters and Support Battalion, Okinawa, Japan to serve as the Port Operations NCO for the Marine Liaison at Naha Port and as the Freight Shipping NCO for Receiving and Outbound Container Operations.
In March 1996, Corporal Legette reported to 2D Landing Support Battalion, 2D Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, NC for duty with Beach and Terminal Operations Company. He was promoted to Sergeant and served as the Platoon Sgt. For Shipping and Receiving Platoon. He deployed to Paldisky, Estonia, Rota, Spain, Puerto Rico, and other various locations to participate in Maritime Prepositioned Ship off-loads.
In May 1998, Sergeant Legette reported to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Okinawa, Japan. He served as the Marine Liaison for Passenger and Embarkation Operations aboard Kadena Air Force Base. He deployed to Brisbane, Australia to serve as an Embarkation NCO for Exercise Crocodile 99.
In June 2001, Sgt. Legette reported to HQBN, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, VA. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and assumed the duties as Traffic Chief for the Traffic Management Section.
In July 2003, Sgt. Legette reported to Marine Security Guard School in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation, he was assigned as the Detachment Commander for the Marine Detachment in Damascus, Syria. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and later transferred to assume the duties as the Detachment Commander in Bangkok, Thailand.
In October 2006, Gunnery Sergeant Legette reported to Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCB Camp Lejeune. He was promoted to Master Sergeant and assumed the duties of the Distribution Management Chief.
In January 2009, Master Sergeant Legette reported to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to serve as the Distribution Management Chief.
In January 2012, Master Sergeant Legette reported to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to serve as the Traffic Management Office Distribution Management Chief.
Master Sergeant Legette’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 3rd Award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 2nd Award, Good Conduct Medal with one silver star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon, and Marine Security Guard Ribbon.
Master Sergeant Bethea has been married to the former Shannon Bethea of Dillon for 16 years. They have two children, Makkai and Mataya. He is the son of Mrs. Clarethea Legette and the late Mr. Henry Legette of Latta.