JUDGE ADVOCATE & WEB SERGEANT - ERIC MCBEE

Eric McBee was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1959. Following graduation from West Aurora High School in Aurora, IL in 1977, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Eric reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA for recruit training. Upon graduation from 3rd Recruit Training Battalion his initial assignment took him to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), El Toro, CA for on-the-job training as a Basic Aerologist (Weather). In 1978 Eric was assigned to Marine Detachment, Chanute AFB, IL for formal training as a Weather Observer (MOS 6821). Eric served as a Weather Observer from 1978 to 1980 and saw tours with Marine Aircraft Group 15, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Iwakuni, Japan and MCAS Cherry Point, NC. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on July 1, 1980.

From 1980 to 1983, Eric was assigned to Marine Security Guard (MSG) duty where he served at the American Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia and the United States Consulate in Geneva, Switzerland. Upon completing MSG duty he reported to MCAS Yuma, AZ for preparation to become a Weather Forecaster and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Eric returned to Marine Detachment, Chanute AFB, IL in 1984 for formal school training as a Weather Forecaster (MOS 6842). Upon graduating, he served two tours of duty at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, and an assignment with Marine Wing Support Squadron-171, Iwakuni, Japan. Eric was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on July 1, 1992.

Eric reported to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS during August of 1992. Due to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) act, the Joint Services Weather School moved from Chanute AFB, IL to Keesler, AFB. He assisted with forming up the Marine Detachment and also graduated the Curriculum Developers Course whereby he became a qualified Formal School Instructor. Eric was selected at the end of 1992 for appointment to Warrant Officer and was promoted to that rank with an MOS change (6802 – Meteorological and Oceanographic Services Officer) on February 1, 1993.

After graduating from the Warrant Officer Basic Course at Quantico, VA he served in dual assignments as the Meteorological and Oceanographic Services Officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and for MCAS Yuma, AZ. Eric was promoted to the commissioned rank of Chief Warrant Officer-2 on August 1, 1994. Eric attended the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One sponsored Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in 1995 and upon graduation, earned an additional MOS designation of 6877 (Weapons and Tactics Instructor). Eric served in dual assignments once more as the Meteorological and Oceanographic Services Officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan from 1996 to 1997. From 1997 to 2001 he served as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s first Staff Meteorological and Oceanographic Officer under the cognizance of the G-2 Intelligence Branch. During this period, Eric was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer-3 on January 2, 1998 and to the rank of Captain on September 1, 1999 under the Limited Duty Officer program.

In 2001, Eric was assigned as the first Marine Corps Liaison and Project Officer to the Oceanographer of the Navy staff in Washington D.C.. He was the principle advisor to the Oceanographer of the Navy on all Marine Corps meteorological and oceanographic matters. He was also responsible for the planning, programming and acquisition of new meteorological systems and equipment to be fielded to Navy and Marine operating forces. Eric was promoted to the rank of Major on March 1, 2003. He retired on May 1, 2005 after serving 28-years.

Eric is married to the former Dr. Norlydia L. Fulbright of Carrollton, GA.  His son, Ross, is a recent graduate of Longwood University. His daughter, Haley, is currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Eric is employed as a Network Operations Manager for AT&T while Norlydia conducts a private practice as a Psychologist in Carrollton. Both call Fairfield Plantation in Villa Rica home.

Eric’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star in lieu of second award, the Good Conduct Medal with 4 bronze stars and the Korean Defense Service Medal. His other decorations include the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3 awards), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (7 awards), the Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and the Marine Security Guard Ribbon.

Eric joined the  Aubrey Gilbert Detachment in February 2009 and appointed as Web Sergeant that same month.